Kennesaw State delivered a resounding 76-53 victory over New Mexico State at the KSU Convocation Center, with RJ Johnson leading the charge. The Owls' star player posted an impressive 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, guiding his team to a convincing win. This dominant performance exceeded the expectations of CHD Scout, which predicted a narrower 3.6-point margin of victory for Kennesaw State.
The Owls set the tone early, taking a 43-24 lead into halftime. New Mexico State struggled to find its rhythm, with Jemel Jones being the lone bright spot, scoring 13 points. However, the Aggies' efforts were not enough to overcome Kennesaw State's balanced attack, which saw Jaden Harris and Frankquon Sherman contribute 16 and 11 points, respectively. Sherman also grabbed 8 rebounds, helping the Owls control the boards.
As the game unfolded, Kennesaw State's lead only grew, with the Owls outscoring New Mexico State 33-29 in the second half. The Aggies' Julius Mims tried to spark a comeback, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds, but it was too little, too late. Kennesaw State's defense held strong, limiting New Mexico State to just 53 points, well below their average.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The 23-point margin of victory was a significant departure from the predicted score of 80-76, with Kennesaw State ultimately covering the spread with ease. This win improves the Owls' record to 14-8, while New Mexico State falls to 10-11. Although this game was not an upset, the convincing nature of the victory will undoubtedly boost Kennesaw State's confidence and tournament resume.
In terms of tournament implications, this result has significant consequences for both teams. For Kennesaw State, this win, classified as a Quadrant 4 game, helps to bolster their resume, which currently boasts a net ranking of 161. While it may not be a marquee victory, it demonstrates the Owls' ability to take care of business against inferior opponents. On the other hand, New Mexico State, with a net ranking of 173, must regroup and focus on their upcoming games, as this loss, classified as a Quadrant 3 game, may hinder their tournament chances.
The victory for Kennesaw State reinforces their position as a potential tournament contender, albeit one with work to do. As the season progresses, the Owls must continue to rack up wins, particularly in Quadrant 1 and 2 games, to strengthen their case for a postseason berth. For now, however, they can savor this dominant win, which showcases their potential and RJ Johnson's emergence as a star player.