Kennesaw State Men’s Basketball Ready for Rivalry Match Against Georgia State
As the sun sets in Kennesaw, excitement is brewing for a thrilling night of college basketball. The Kennesaw State Owls, sporting a record of 6-3, are set to take on their close rival, the Georgia State Panthers, who currently hold a record of 4-4. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. at the GSU Convocation Center in Atlanta, and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Back in the USA with a Drive to Win
This match marks a significant moment for the Owls as they return to American soil after an adventurous series of games in Canada. During Thanksgiving week, Kennesaw State participated in one of the top mid-major tournaments, facing off against some formidable opponents. The Owls played three games, with a challenging record of 1-2 out of the excursion. However, they did manage a spectacular 67-63 overtime victory against Towson, the Colonial Athletic Association’s preseason favorite. That win was a highlight and a boost in confidence for the team as they head into this rivalry showdown.
History in the Making
When it comes to the rivalry between Kennesaw State and Georgia State, there’s plenty of history! This Friday’s game will be the second clash between the two teams in just two years. Last year, the Owls claimed victory with an impressive score of 88-77, in a game held at their home court. That match was particularly thrilling as the Owls showcased their strength, unleashing a powerful 17-0 run in the first half, which firmly set the tone for their success. Player Simeon Cottle was a standout in that game, scoring a career-high 27 points!
Despite last year’s victory, the Owls are looking to secure their first-ever win at Georgia State’s court, having lost their initial three matchups when KSU was still an NAIA program. This rivalry has grown not just in the number of games played but also in the intensity and passion from both sides.
A Defensive Transformation
One of the most impressive upgrades for Kennesaw State this season has been their defensive performance. Last year, they ranked a mere 186th in field goal percentage defense, and their three-point defense wasn’t much better at 263rd nationally. Fast forward to the current season, and the Owls have flipped the script entirely! They now sit at an impressive 32nd in the nation for field goal defense, allowing just 38.1% of field goals to go in – an impressive feat that also leads Conference USA!
Even more remarkable is Kennesaw State’s three-point defense, where they’ve made a drastic change by allowing opponents to convert only 24.9% of their attempts. This transformation is a testament to the coaching staff’s efforts and the players’ dedication to turning their defense into a formidable wall. It’ll be exciting to see how they hold up against Georgia State’s offense on Friday!
Game Night Atmosphere
As fans gear up for the game, the atmosphere in Atlanta promises to be electric. The GSU Convocation Center, which has a capacity of 7,500, is sure to be packed with passionate supporters from both sides, creating an intense college basketball environment. Will the Owls continue their strong defensive showings and come home with a victory? Or will the Panthers lean on their home-court advantage to get the edge? One thing is for sure: this game is not to be missed!
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone just looking for a fun night out, this matchup is likely to deliver thrilling plays, nail-biting moments, and a memorable showcase of local talent. So mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic evening of basketball!
