New Mexico State Edges Kennesaw State in Close Contest
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Pan American Center
New Mexico State Aggies 79, Kennesaw State Owls 76, 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 New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies beat Kennesaw State Owls 79-76 at Pan American Center on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs New Mexico State Aggies?
New Mexico State Aggies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the New Mexico State Aggies narrowly defeated the Kennesaw State Owls with a final score of 79-76. This victory was crucial for the Aggies, who improved their overall record to 16-15, while the Owls fell to 18-14. The game took place at the Pan American Center, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness that both teams brought to the court.
New Mexico State entered the game with a home record of 15-15 and a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, culminating in a one-game winning streak. They averaged 73.0 points scored per game while allowing 76.7 points. Their last match before this fixture was a win against Jacksonville State, where they triumphed 77-75. The Aggies had a mixed performance at home, with a home record of 2-2 in their last four games.
On the other hand, Kennesaw State had a better recent form, boasting a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak heading into this matchup. The Owls averaged 75.6 points scored and allowed 73.9 points during this stretch. Their most recent game resulted in a loss to UTEP, where they fell 71-78. Kennesaw State's away record was less impressive, standing at 1-2 in their last three away games.
Historically, the Aggies and Owls have faced off four times in recent seasons, with Kennesaw State leading the head-to-head record 3-1. Their previous meeting this season on January 31, 2026, ended in a decisive 76-53 victory for the Owls. This game was an opportunity for the Aggies to turn the tide and avenge that earlier defeat.
In terms of player availability, the block did not specify any injuries affecting either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this critical matchup. This absence of injury concerns allowed both teams to field their best lineups, contributing to the high level of play witnessed during the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had New Mexico State favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 157.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close performance expected from both teams. The moneyline for New Mexico State was -125.0, while Kennesaw State was at 105.0, suggesting that the Aggies were seen as the slight favorites.
The game conditions were typical for a late-season college basketball contest, with both teams looking to solidify their positions heading into postseason play. Fans and analysts alike were keen to observe how New Mexico State would respond after their previous loss to Kennesaw State and whether the Owls could maintain their dominance in this rivalry.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were determined to secure the win. The Aggies managed to hold on to their lead in the closing moments, with key free throws from Jayland Randall sealing the victory. Randall's performance in crunch time was pivotal, showcasing the importance of composure under pressure.
In conclusion, the matchup between New Mexico State and Kennesaw State proved to be a closely contested affair, with the Aggies coming out on top in a game that had significant implications for both teams. New Mexico State's ability to secure a win against a previously dominant opponent will be a morale booster as they look to build momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NMSU -1.5 | 157.5 o -108 / u -112 | Kennesaw State Owls +105 · New Mexico State Aggies -125 |
Leaders
- PointsJemel Jones19New Mexico State Aggies
- AssistsGabe Pickens8New Mexico State Aggies
- ReboundsJemel Jones12New Mexico State Aggies
- PointsFrankquon Sherman16Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson9Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman9Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
New Mexico State Aggies
Last 10: 4-6Streak W173 scored · 76.7 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W77-75vs Jacksonville State GamecocksMar 6
- L85-86at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 28
- L70-93at Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 27
- W67-63vs UTEP MinersFeb 22
- W79-70at Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 14
- L75-77vs Liberty FlamesFeb 12
- L88-91at UTEP MinersFeb 8
- W72-63at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 5
- L53-76at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 31
- L64-73vs Delaware Blue HensJan 29
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 6-4Streak L175.6 scored · 73.9 allowed per game1-2 away
- L71-78at UTEP MinersMar 6
- W90-82vs Delaware Blue HensFeb 28
- W74-65vs Liberty FlamesFeb 27
- W58-55vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 21
- W91-87at Missouri State BearsFeb 19
- 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
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 | New Mexico State Aggies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-57 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 10-28 | 3-13 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 23 |
| Free throws | 18-26 | 24-29 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 26 |
| Assists | 12 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 1 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 32 |
| Fouls | 20 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 36 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-46Jaden Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-46RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half53-48Jemel Jones makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half54-48Amir Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-48Amir Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-49Jayland Randall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-50Jayland Randall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-50Amir Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-52Augustine Ekwe makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half57-52Amir Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-53Jayland Randall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-54Jayland Randall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Jayland Randall makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half59-56Braedan Lue makes layup
- 2nd Half59-57Jayland Randall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-58Jayland Randall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-61Anthony Wrzeszcz makes 22-foot three point jumper (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Jayland Randall makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half60-63Jaden Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Jaden Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Anthony Wrzeszcz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-64Amir Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Julius Mims makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Gabe Pickens assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Kaden Rickard makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half64-68Gabe Pickens makes 7-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half64-70Gabe Pickens makes layup
- 2nd Half66-70Frankquon Sherman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-71Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Frankquon Sherman makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half71-72Frankquon Sherman makes layup
- 2nd Half71-73Jemel Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Jemel Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Braedan Lue makes layup
- 2nd Half73-75Julius Mims makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Jemel Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half75-77Braedan Lue makes 6-foot dunk (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half76-77Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-78Jayland Randall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-79Jayland Randall makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Mexico State Aggies, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- Pan American CenterLas Cruces, NM
- Attendance5375
- OfficialsMick Fieldbinder, Ryan McCarty, Randal Anders
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Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Kennesaw State Dominates New Mexico State 76-53Jan 31, 2026
- Kennesaw State Edges New Mexico State 24-21Nov 8, 2025