Kennesaw State's RJ Johnson put on a show at E.A. Diddle Arena, leading his team to a resounding 81-65 victory over Western Kentucky. Johnson's impressive all-around performance, which included 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, was the catalyst for Kennesaw State's dominant win. The Owls' strong showing was evident from the start, as they took a 43-34 lead into halftime.
Western Kentucky's Ryan Myers did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 16 points to lead the Hilltoppers. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Kennesaw State, which saw several players contribute to the winning effort. Frankquon Sherman added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Owls, while Braedan Lue chipped in with 9 points.
The second half saw Kennesaw State continue to pull away, as they outscored Western Kentucky 38-31. The Hilltoppers struggled to find any rhythm on offense, and their defense was unable to contain Johnson and the Owls' potent attack. LJ Hackman and Grant Newell added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for Western Kentucky, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback.
The win is a significant one for Kennesaw State, as it improves their record to 12-8 and boosts their resume with a Quadrant 3 win. On the other hand, Western Kentucky falls to 11-9 and suffers a Quadrant 4 loss, which could have implications for their tournament chances. The Hilltoppers' current net ranking of 170 will likely take a hit, while Kennesaw State's net ranking of 167 could see a slight improvement.
This game was a showcase for Johnson's talents, and he delivered in a big way. His performance will undoubtedly draw attention from scouts and opposing coaches, and he will be a player to watch in the coming weeks. For Kennesaw State, this win is a reflection of their strength and depth, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
In terms of tournament implications, this result is a positive one for Kennesaw State. The Owls have now notched a quality road win, which will help to bolster their resume. Western Kentucky, on the other hand, must regroup and focus on their upcoming games in order to stay in the tournament conversation. As it stands, Kennesaw State's win has given them a slight edge in the postseason picture, and they want to continue to make a push for a tournament berth.