Kennesaw State Edges Florida International in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · VyStar Arena
Kennesaw State Owls 89, Florida International Panthers 86, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Florida International Panthers vs Kennesaw State Owls?
Kennesaw State Owls beat Florida International Panthers 89-86 at VyStar Arena on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida International Panthers vs Kennesaw State Owls?
Kennesaw State Owls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Kennesaw State Owls triumphed over the Florida International Panthers with a final score of 89-86 at the VyStar Arena. This game was notable not only for its nail-biting finish but also for the implications it held for both teams in the NCAAB landscape. With this victory, Kennesaw State improved its home record to 6-0, while Florida International fell to 0-4 in away games this season.
Kennesaw State entered the game with a record of 11-6, showcasing a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, and they were riding a two-game winning streak. Their scoring average during this stretch was an impressive 85.4 points per game, while they allowed an average of 77.8 points. The Owls had previously secured victories against Jacksonville State Gamecocks and Missouri State Bears, scoring 88 and 90 points respectively in those games. Their home performances have been particularly strong, with a perfect record at home this season.
In contrast, Florida International came into the game with a 9-8 record and had also achieved a 6-4 record in their last ten outings. However, they were struggling recently, having lost their last two games against Missouri State and Jacksonville State. The Panthers averaged 85.9 points scored and 78.0 points allowed during their recent stretch. They had a strong home record of 6-1 but faced challenges on the road, where they were still seeking their first away victory of the season.
The two teams had met twice previously, with each team winning one game. In their last encounter on February 28, 2025, Florida International defeated Kennesaw State 76-61, while Kennesaw State had earlier claimed a 73-67 victory on February 1, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as both teams aimed to assert dominance over the other.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a factor in any game. The absence of key players can significantly impact a team's performance, and both coaches would have been keen to manage their rosters effectively leading into this contest.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Kennesaw State favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 175.5. The home moneyline was listed at -238.0, while Florida International was at 195.0. This indicated that the Owls were seen as the stronger team heading into the game, reflecting their recent form and home advantage.
Conditions during the game were conducive to an exciting matchup, as both teams displayed high energy and offensive prowess. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with key three-pointers and free throws exchanged in the closing moments. Notably, RJ Johnson made significant contributions for Kennesaw State, including a crucial driving layup that helped secure the lead late in the game.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both sides. The final moments were particularly tense, as Florida International attempted to claw back into the game, but Kennesaw State's defense held firm, ensuring their victory. The Owls' ability to maintain composure under pressure was a key takeaway from this thrilling encounter.
In summary, Kennesaw State's victory over Florida International not only highlights their strong home performance but also sets the stage for their continued pursuit of success in the NCAAB season. With both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities, fans were left with an exciting game that will be remembered as a highlight of their respective seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENN -5.5 | 175.5 o -110 / u -110 | Florida International Panthers +195 · Kennesaw State Owls -238 |
Leaders
- PointsTrey Simpson28Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson7Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman16Kennesaw State Owls
- PointsZawdie Jackson25Florida International Panthers
- AssistsZawdie Jackson3Florida International Panthers
- ReboundsEric Dibami12Florida International Panthers
Recent form
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 6-4Streak W285.4 scored · 77.8 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W88-82vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 10
- W90-80vs Missouri State BearsJan 8
- L52-67at Delaware Blue HensJan 4
- L73-81at Liberty FlamesJan 3
- L81-92at Alabama Crimson TideDec 21
- L67-68at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersDec 18
- W121-66vs Southern Wesleyan WarriorsDec 8
- W92-69vs Georgia State PanthersDec 6
- W88-73vs Jackson State TigersDec 3
- W102-100at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 27
Florida International Panthers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L285.9 scored · 78 allowed per game0-3 away
- L71-79at Missouri State BearsJan 10
- L64-71at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 8
- W76-64vs UTEP MinersJan 4
- W89-74vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 2
- L94-97vs Liberty FlamesDec 28
- W121-70vs Trinity College of Jacksonville EaglesDec 22
- W86-79vs Long Island University SharksDec 20
- L81-98at Miami HurricanesDec 17
- W88-65vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 6
- W89-83vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesDec 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Florida International Panthers | Kennesaw State Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-71 | 28-65 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 10-22 | 16-35 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 46 |
| Free throws | 18-25 | 17-29 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 24 |
| Assists | 12 | 18 |
| Steals | 10 | 5 |
| Blocks | 6 | 10 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 24 |
| Fouls | 23 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 72 | 19 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half60-53Julian Mackey makes layup (Eric Dibami assists)
- 2nd Half61-53Hamed Olayinka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-53Hamed Olayinka makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half63-54Perry Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-54Zawdie Jackson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-56Braedan Lue makes layup (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half66-56Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-56Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-57Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-57Hamed Olayinka makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-59Simeon Cottle makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-59Julian Mackey makes layup
- 2nd Half71-60Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-62Simeon Cottle makes layup
- 2nd Half73-62Zawdie Jackson makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half75-62Hamed Olayinka makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half75-65Trey Simpson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half75-66RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-67RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-67Zawdie Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half79-67Eric Dibami makes layup (Zawdie Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half79-68RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-69Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-70Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-70Eric Dibami makes layup
- 2nd Half81-72RJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-73RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half81-75RJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-75Eric Dibami makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-78Simeon Cottle makes 24-foot three point jumper (Frankquon Sherman assists)
- 2nd Half83-78Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-78Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-81RJ Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Simeon Cottle assists)
- 2nd Half85-81Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-81Zawdie Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-84Simeon Cottle makes 27-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half86-85RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-87RJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half86-88Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-89Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kennesaw State Owls, below favours Florida International Panthers.
Venue
- VyStar ArenaKennesaw, GA
- Attendance1908
- OfficialsPatrick Evans, Blake Harris, Hunter Allen
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