KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State opened the 2026-27 season in dominant fashion Monday night, placing all 14 players who saw action in the scoring column in a 116-57 victory over Midway inside VyStar Arena.
The Owls (1-0) scored 58 points in each half and finished with six players in double figures, led by freshman Kyler Theophile's 18 points. KSU shot 52.4 percent from the floor, knocked down 16 three-pointers and posted a commanding 64-27 advantage on the glass.
STAT OF THE GAME
All 14 Owls who saw action scored, while Kennesaw State's bench accounted for 79 of the team's 116 points.
OWL OF THE GAME
Theophile made the most of his collegiate debut, scoring a game-high 18 points in just 12 minutes. The freshman was a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor, including 3-of-3 from three-point range, and 3-of-3 at the free throw line while adding six rebounds and two assists.
THE FIRST HALF
Kennesaw State jumped out to a 5-0 advantage and quickly pushed the margin to 16-2 less than four minutes into the contest. The Owls continued to pull away from there, taking a 35-7 lead midway through the half before carrying a 58-23 advantage into the locker room. Theophile scored 16 of his 18 points before halftime, while KSU shot 21-of-39 from the field and handed out 15 assists on its 21 made baskets.
THE SECOND HALF
The Owls continued at nearly the exact same pace after the break, scoring another 58 points while shooting 22-of-43 from the floor. Kennesaw State pushed the lead past 50 midway through the half, reached 100 points with just under six minutes remaining and eventually led by as many as 61 before closing out the 59-point victory.
NOTES
- Kennesaw State's 116 points were the third-most in a game in program history.
- All 14 Kennesaw State players who saw action scored at least two points.
- KSU's six freshmen — Theophile, Levi Ball, Keriawn Berry, Tobiaz Tolbert, Antwane Daniels and Zyree Brown — combined for 62 points, 27 rebounds, 17 assists, eight three-pointers and five blocks.
- Daniels finished with 12 points and six assists in his collegiate debut, while Ball added 11 points.
- Brown handed out a game-high seven assists without committing a turnover.
- CJ Beaumont finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
- Avery Thomas II collected eight rebounds and three blocks, while Tolbert also blocked three shots.
- Kennesaw State held a 64-27 advantage on the boards, including a 20-8 edge on the offensive glass.
- KSU's nine blocks tied for the eighth-most in program history.
- The Owls extended their streak of of multiple blocks in a game to 60 straight games, which is currently the longest active streak in the nation.
- The Owls outscored Midway 52-24 in the paint, 54-6 in fast-break points and 79-13 in bench scoring.
- The Owls' 43 made field goals tied for the third-most in program history.
- KSU's 29 assists were the third-most in program history.
- The Owls' 64 rebounds tied for the second-most in program history.
- The 16 made three-pointers on Monday tied for the seventh-most in program history.
NEXT TIME OUT
Kennesaw State returns to action Friday when the Owls host Austin Peay at VyStar Arena. The game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
THE CHAMPIONS FUND
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
