Kennesaw State Tops Missouri State in Close Contest
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Great Southern Bank Arena
Kennesaw State Owls 91, Missouri State Bears 87, 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 Kennesaw State Owls vs Missouri State Bears?
Kennesaw State Owls beat Missouri State Bears 91-87 at Great Southern Bank Arena on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs Missouri State Bears?
Missouri State Bears were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Great Southern Bank Arena, the Kennesaw State Owls edged out the Missouri State Bears with a final score of 91-87. This victory marks Kennesaw State's first win against Missouri State this season, having previously defeated them 90-80 in their earlier meeting on January 8, 2026. The game showcased a competitive atmosphere, with both teams fighting hard for the win.
Kennesaw State entered the game with a record of 15-11, while Missouri State held a record of 13-13. The Owls had been struggling recently, losing their last three games, but they managed to find their rhythm against the Bears. In their last ten games, Kennesaw State had a record of 5-5, averaging 79.3 points scored and allowing 78.0 points per game. Their recent form included a notable win against New Mexico State (76-53) but was marred by losses to Sam Houston (79-83) and Middle Tennessee (87-90).
On the other hand, Missouri State was also in a slump, having lost their last three games and holding a record of 4-6 over their last ten contests. They averaged 75.0 points scored and allowed 76.1 points during that stretch, with their last five games yielding a record of just 1-4. The Bears' recent performances included a narrow loss to Delaware (67-76) and a close defeat against Louisiana Tech (78-79).
The home team, Missouri State, had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while Kennesaw State struggled on the road, with an away record of 1-3 in that same timeframe. This fixture was crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their standings and gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings had Kennesaw State as slight favorites with a spread of -1.5. The total for the game was set at 152.5, with the over at -105.0 and the under at -115.0. Missouri State's moneyline was at -125.0, while Kennesaw State's was at 105.0, indicating a close contest expected by the market.
The conditions during the game were typical for a late February evening, with both teams adapting to the indoor environment of the arena. Fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with scoring plays that kept the excitement high. Key moments included crucial free throws and jumpers in the final minutes that ultimately decided the outcome.
As the game progressed, Kennesaw State's RJ Johnson emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly to the Owls' scoring and making critical plays in the closing moments. His performance included key free throws that helped seal the victory. Missouri State's efforts were commendable, but they fell short in the final minutes, unable to convert opportunities that could have changed the game's outcome.
In summary, Kennesaw State's win over Missouri State was a testament to their resilience despite recent struggles. The game not only highlighted the competitive nature of the NCAAB but also set the stage for both teams as they look to improve their records in the coming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MOST -1.5 | 152.5 o -105 / u -115 | Kennesaw State Owls +105 · Missouri State Bears -125 |
Leaders
- PointsKeith Palek III20Missouri State Bears
- AssistsKeith Palek III7Missouri State Bears
- ReboundsKeith Palek III6Missouri State Bears
- PointsRJ Johnson29Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson4Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman9Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
Missouri State Bears
Last 10: 4-6Streak L375 scored · 76.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L67-76vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 14
- L78-79vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 13
- L76-79at Liberty FlamesFeb 7
- W74-67vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 31
- L71-80vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 29
- W62-57at UTEP MinersJan 24
- W84-75at New Mexico State AggiesJan 23
- L87-90at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 17
- L72-87at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 15
- W79-71vs Florida International PanthersJan 10
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 5-5Streak L379.3 scored · 78 allowed per game1-3 away
- L79-83vs Sam Houston BearkatsFeb 14
- L87-90vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 12
- L58-77at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 8
- W76-53vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 31
- W72-69vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 29
- L76-82at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 23
- L87-93at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 22
- W81-65at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 17
- W89-86vs Florida International PanthersJan 15
- W88-82vs Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 10
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 | Kennesaw State Owls | Missouri State Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-56 | 26-55 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 14-26 | 9-24 |
| Three-point % | 54 | 38 |
| Free throws | 23-34 | 26-39 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 24 |
| Assists | 16 | 18 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 7 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 30 |
| Fouls | 26 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 94 | 4 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half61-52Jaden Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half61-55Melakih Cunningham makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zaxton King assists)
- 2nd Half61-57Darrion Sutton makes layup (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half63-57RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half63-60Trey Williams Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half66-60Amir Taylor makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half66-62Keith Palek III makes layup (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half66-65Melakih Cunningham makes 23-foot three point jumper (Michael Osei-Bonsu assists)
- 2nd Half68-65Frankquon Sherman makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half69-65Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half69-67Keith Palek III makes layup
- 2nd Half71-67Frankquon Sherman makes 11-foot jumper (Amir Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half72-67Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-69Michael Osei-Bonsu makes 4-foot jumper (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half73-69Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-69Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-71Michael Osei-Bonsu makes layup (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half76-71Perry Smith Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half76-74Kobi Williams makes 22-foot three point jumper (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half78-74Frankquon Sherman makes 1-foot dunk (Perry Smith Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half78-75Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-76Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-77Kobi Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-78Kobi Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-78RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-78RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-78RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-79Melakih Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-80Melakih Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-80Perry Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-83Trey Williams Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Melakih Cunningham assists)
- 2nd Half85-83RJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaden Harris assists)
- 2nd Half85-84Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-85Kobi Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-85RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-85RJ Johnson makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half89-85Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-85Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-87Trey Williams Jr. makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half91-87RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Missouri State Bears, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- Great Southern Bank ArenaSpringfield, MO
- Attendance2070
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Matthew Rukasin, Michael Swoboda
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond