Kennesaw State Edges Jacksonville State in Close Contest
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · VyStar Arena
Kennesaw State Owls 88, Jacksonville State Gamecocks 82, 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 Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Kennesaw State Owls?
Kennesaw State Owls beat Jacksonville State Gamecocks 88-82 at VyStar Arena on January 10, 2026.
Who was favored in Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Kennesaw State Owls?
Kennesaw State Owls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Kennesaw State Owls secured a narrow victory over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks with a final score of 88-82 at VyStar Arena. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Kennesaw State improving their home record to 11-6 and Jacksonville State falling to 8-9.
Kennesaw State entered this game with a mixed recent form, holding a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They were coming off a win against the Missouri State Bears, where they scored 90 points, which contributed to their impressive average of 84.9 points scored at home. However, their defense has been a concern, allowing an average of 78.7 points in the same span. Their last five games reflected a struggle, with a record of 1-4 and an average of 72.6 points scored while allowing 77.6.
On the other hand, Jacksonville State also had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, but they were riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Florida International Panthers 71-64. The Gamecocks averaged 67.3 points scored and 65.5 points allowed, indicating a more defensively oriented approach compared to Kennesaw State. Their recent form was stronger, with a 4-1 record in their last five games, averaging 73.2 points scored and 69.6 points allowed.
The matchup was particularly intriguing as Kennesaw State had previously defeated Jacksonville State in both of their last two meetings during the 2025 season, with scores of 83-71 and 74-70. This history added an extra layer of rivalry to the game, as Jacksonville State sought to break the streak.
In terms of venue dynamics, Kennesaw State had been formidable at home, boasting a perfect home record of 4-0 in their last four games. Conversely, Jacksonville State had a balanced away record of 2-2, showing they could compete outside their home court but had not been as consistent.
Injuries played a role in the game as well, although specific details regarding player availability were not provided in the block. The condition of key players could have influenced both teams' strategies and performance.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Kennesaw State favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 149.5. The home moneyline was priced at -245, while Jacksonville State's moneyline was at +200, reflecting the odds in favor of Kennesaw State.
The game itself was characterized by a back-and-forth scoring battle, particularly in the second half, where both teams exchanged leads. Notable scoring plays included free throws by Simeon Cottle, who was instrumental in maintaining Kennesaw State's lead late in the game. The final moments saw Kennesaw State capitalize on their free throw opportunities, sealing the victory and demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, with Kennesaw State's offensive prowess ultimately overcoming Jacksonville State's defensive efforts. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game, with Kennesaw State aiming to maintain their home advantage and Jacksonville State seeking to improve their consistency on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENN -5.5 | 149.5 o -108 / u -112 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks +200 · Kennesaw State Owls -245 |
Leaders
- PointsSimeon Cottle28Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsSimeon Cottle4Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman8Kennesaw State Owls
- PointsMostapha El Moutaouakkil23Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- AssistsJaye Nash6Jacksonville State Gamecocks
- ReboundsMostapha El Moutaouakkil10Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Recent form
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 5-5Streak W184.9 scored · 78.7 allowed per game4-0 at home
- 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
- L83-91at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 25
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Last 10: 5-5Streak W167.3 scored · 65.5 allowed per game2-2 away
- W71-64vs Florida International PanthersJan 8
- L69-78at Liberty FlamesJan 4
- W67-64at Delaware Blue HensJan 3
- W78-67vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersDec 30
- W81-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 20
- L59-62vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 18
- L73-77at Georgia State PanthersDec 13
- W66-39vs Auburn Montgomery SenatorsDec 7
- L66-73vs North Alabama LionsDec 2
- L43-56vs North Dakota State BisonNov 26
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 | Jacksonville State Gamecocks | Kennesaw State Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-58 | 27-57 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 9-23 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 38 |
| Free throws | 17-27 | 25-34 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fouls | 22 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 2 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half52-56RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-57RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-60Simeon Cottle makes 25-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half54-60Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes layup
- 2nd Half54-62Perry Smith Jr. makes 4-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half56-62Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup
- 2nd Half57-62Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-64RJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-64Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-65RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-67RJ Johnson makes driving layup (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-69Perry Smith Jr. makes driving layup (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half62-69Jaye Nash makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-69Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-71Frankquon Sherman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-71Iaroslav Niagu makes layup
- 2nd Half65-72Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes layup
- 2nd Half67-74RJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-74Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup (Emondrek Erkins-Ford assists)
- 2nd Half69-76Kaden Rickard makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-76Jacoby Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Jacoby Hill makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half73-78Frankquon Sherman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-78Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Jacoby Hill makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaye Nash assists)
- 2nd Half77-79Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-80Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-82Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-83Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-83Jacoby Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-83Emondrek Erkins-Ford makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-84Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-85Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-86RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-86Mostapha El Moutaouakkil makes layup (Jacoby Hill assists)
- 2nd Half82-87Simeon Cottle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-88Simeon Cottle makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kennesaw State Owls, below favours Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
Venue
- VyStar ArenaKennesaw, GA
- Attendance2141
- OfficialsJames Hicks, Chris Ford, Bobby Bissant III
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