Sam Houston Tops Kennesaw State in High-Scoring Affair
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum
Sam Houston Bearkats 93, Kennesaw State Owls 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 Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats beat Kennesaw State Owls 93-87 at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on January 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, the Sam Houston Bearkats emerged victorious over the Kennesaw State Owls with a final score of 93-87. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 12-7, making this matchup particularly intriguing as they battled for positioning in their respective conference standings.
The Bearkats have shown solid form recently, boasting a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 81.9 points scored while allowing 72.6 points during this stretch. Notably, their recent victories include wins against Florida International (76-63) and Jacksonville State (77-62). At home, they have a record of 2-1 in their last three games, with an average of 73.2 points scored and 67.0 points allowed in their last five outings.
On the other hand, the Owls have been equally impressive, also holding a 6-4 record over their last ten games, but they are riding a four-game winning streak. Kennesaw State's scoring average during this period is slightly higher at 83.4 points, while they have allowed an average of 75.6 points. Their recent victories include a solid win against Western Kentucky (81-65) and a close contest against Florida International (89-86). However, their away record has been less favorable, standing at 1-4.
Historically, the Bearkats and Owls have faced each other twice, splitting their previous meetings. In their last encounter on February 15, 2025, Sam Houston secured a narrow victory at home, winning 78-76, while Kennesaw State had won their earlier meeting on January 17, 2025, with a score of 75-69.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the teams' recent performances suggest they have been able to field competitive lineups. The market for this game, as provided by DraftKings, had Sam Houston as the favorites with a spread of -5.5 and a moneyline of -230. Kennesaw State was priced at +190 on the moneyline, indicating the odds makers viewed the Bearkats as the more likely victors.
The game's conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, as both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess in recent games. With Sam Houston averaging 81.9 points at home and Kennesaw State averaging 83.4 points away, fans were treated to an exciting display of basketball.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a series of critical scoring plays in the second half, including a layup by Jacob Walker that brought the Owls within striking distance at 79-90. RJ Johnson made a significant impact for Kennesaw State, hitting a long three-pointer and contributing several layups, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bearkats' lead. Sam Houston's Jacobe Coleman also played a pivotal role, converting crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Overall, this matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted their offensive capabilities. The Bearkats' ability to outlast the Owls in a tightly contested game will undoubtedly bolster their confidence as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SHSU -5.5 | 167.5 o -108 / u -112 | Kennesaw State Owls +190 · Sam Houston Bearkats -230 |
Leaders
- PointsPo'Boigh King23Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsKashie Natt5Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsKashie Natt10Sam Houston Bearkats
- PointsRJ Johnson32Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson5Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman12Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W281.9 scored · 72.6 allowed per game2-1 at home
- W76-63at Florida International PanthersJan 17
- W77-62at Jacksonville State GamecocksJan 15
- L74-82vs Liberty FlamesJan 10
- W72-60vs Delaware Blue HensJan 9
- L67-68at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 4
- L91-102at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 2
- W117-57vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 28
- L78-87at New Mexico State AggiesDec 21
- W85-75at Oregon State BeaversDec 18
- W82-70at Texas Southern TigersDec 6
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 6-4Streak W483.4 scored · 75.6 allowed per game1-4 away
- W81-65at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 17
- W89-86vs Florida International PanthersJan 15
- 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
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 | Sam Houston Bearkats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-72 | 35-63 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 13-34 | 11-22 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 50 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 12-19 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 29 |
| Assists | 19 | 26 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 42 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 2 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half49-59Matt Dann makes 1-foot dunk (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half49-61Jacobe Coleman makes layup (CJ Beaumont assists)
- 2nd Half49-63Po'Boigh King makes layup (Jacobe Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half52-63Trey Simpson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Braedan Lue assists)
- 2nd Half52-64Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-65Jacob Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-67Veljko Ilic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half55-67RJ Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jaden Harris assists)
- 2nd Half58-67Trey Simpson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amir Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half58-69Justin Begg makes layup
- 2nd Half60-69RJ Johnson makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-69RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-71Justin Begg makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-71Trey Simpson makes 29-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half66-71Jaden Harris makes layup
- 2nd Half66-73Kashie Natt makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-73Jaden Harris makes 26-foot three point jumper (Frankquon Sherman assists)
- 2nd Half71-73Frankquon Sherman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half71-74Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-75Frankquon Sherman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half73-77Veljko Ilic makes layup (Damon Nicholas Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half73-79Jacob Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half73-81Veljko Ilic makes layup (Jacobe Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half75-81RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half75-83Veljko Ilic makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half75-84Jacobe Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-85Jacobe Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-88Damon Nicholas Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half76-88Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-88Braedan Lue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-88Frankquon Sherman makes layup (Jaden Harris assists)
- 2nd Half79-90Jacob Walker makes layup (Jacobe Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half82-90RJ Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half83-90Braedan Lue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-90RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half85-91Jacobe Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-92Jacobe Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-92RJ Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half87-93Po'Boigh King makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Sam Houston Bearkats, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- Bernard G. Johnson ColiseumHuntsville, TX
- Attendance1388
- OfficialsChuck Jones, James Curran, John Johnson
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