Kennesaw State's Simeon Cottle stole the show at the KSU Convocation Center, scoring 28 points to lead the Owls to an 88-82 win over Jacksonville State. The victory marked a strong performance by Kennesaw State, who improved their record to 12-8. Cottle's outing was the highlight of the evening, as he consistently found ways to score and create for his teammates. His efforts were supported by RJ Johnson, who added 16 points and 5 rebounds, and Frankquon Sherman, who chipped in with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Jacksonville State's Mostapha El Moutaouakkil put up a valiant effort, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. His double-double was a key factor in the Gamecocks' ability to stay within striking distance of the Owls. AC Bryant and Emondrek Erkins-Ford also contributed to the Jacksonville State cause, scoring 11 points each. Despite their best efforts, however, the Gamecocks were unable to overcome the strong play of Kennesaw State.
The game was closely contested throughout, with Kennesaw State taking a 46-43 lead into halftime. The Owls came out strong in the second half, but Jacksonville State refused to back down. The Gamecocks fought to stay within reach, but ultimately fell short. Kennesaw State's ability to maintain their lead and close out the game was a reflection of their resilience and determination.
The win was a Quadrant 4 victory for Kennesaw State, which may not carry significant weight in terms of their tournament resume. However, it does demonstrate the Owls' ability to take care of business against teams they are expected to beat. For Jacksonville State, the loss was a Quadrant 3 defeat, which may not be overly damaging to their tournament hopes. The Gamecocks' record now stands at 10-9, and they want to bounce back from this setback.
As the season progresses, Kennesaw State will aim to build on this win and continue to improve their record. With a current net ranking of 167, the Owls still have work to do if they hope to make a push for the tournament. Jacksonville State, meanwhile, want to regroup and refocus, with a current net ranking of 225. The Gamecocks' tournament chances are still very much alive, but they must string together some wins in order to make a serious case for themselves. For now, Kennesaw State can enjoy the fruits of their labor, having come out on top in a hard-fought contest. The Owls' victory over Jacksonville State serves as a notable win on their resume, one that they want to build upon as the season continues.