Kennesaw State Owls Edge Sam Houston Bearkats 79-73
Friday, March 13, 2026, 3:15 PM ET · Propst Arena
Kennesaw State Owls 79, Sam Houston Bearkats 73, 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?
Kennesaw State Owls beat Sam Houston Bearkats 79-73 at Propst Arena on March 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs Sam Houston Bearkats?
Sam Houston Bearkats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Propst Arena, the Kennesaw State Owls defeated the Sam Houston Bearkats with a final score of 79-73. This victory was significant for the Owls, who improved their record to 20-13, while the Bearkats fell to 22-11. The game showcased the competitive nature of both teams, particularly as they have faced each other multiple times in recent seasons, with Kennesaw State now holding a 3-1 advantage in their last four meetings.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. The Bearkats had a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, currently on a one-game winning streak after defeating New Mexico State 69-61. They averaged 79.8 points scored per game while allowing 75.1 points during this stretch. At home, they were particularly strong, boasting a perfect 6-0 record in their last six home games. In contrast, the Owls had a more mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games and were on a two-game losing streak, having lost to New Mexico State and UTEP. Their scoring average was lower at 76.0 points, and they allowed an average of 74.9 points.
The matchup was also intriguing due to the teams' performance at home and away. The Bearkats had a strong home record of 16-3 overall, while the Owls struggled on the road with a 4-2 record at home and only 1-3 away in their last four games. This game was pivotal for both teams, as they aimed to solidify their standings in the league.
In their previous encounters, Kennesaw State had lost to Sam Houston earlier in the season, 83-79, on February 14, 2026. However, they had also secured wins against the Bearkats earlier in the season, including a 93-87 victory on January 22, 2026, and a close 78-76 win on February 15, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.
The injury report did not provide specific details about any key players missing from either side, which meant both teams were likely at full strength for this important clash. This allowed for a competitive game with both rosters able to field their best players.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the game, with DraftKings setting the spread at SHSU -2.5, indicating a close contest expected. The total for the game was set at 159.5, suggesting that a high-scoring affair was anticipated. The moneyline odds were -135.0 for the Bearkats and +114.0 for the Owls, further emphasizing the tight nature of the matchup.
As the game progressed, the scoring plays highlighted the tension and skill on display. Key moments included Jacob Walker's 8-foot step back jumpshot that put the Owls ahead 73-69 in the second half, followed by Amir Taylor's three-point jumper, extending the lead to 76-69. Walker continued to contribute with a pull-up jump shot, maintaining the momentum for Kennesaw State. Free throws from Taylor and Damon Nicholas Jr. sealed the victory, as the Owls managed to hold off a late charge from the Bearkats.
Overall, this game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Kennesaw State emerging victorious in a closely contested battle. The outcome not only impacts the standings but also sets the stage for future encounters between these two programs.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SHSU -2.5 | 159.5 o -112 / u -108 | Kennesaw State Owls +114 · Sam Houston Bearkats -135 |
Leaders
- PointsJacobe Coleman18Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsJacob Walker6Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsKashie Natt13Sam Houston Bearkats
- PointsAmir Taylor23Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson6Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman7Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W179.8 scored · 75.1 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W69-61vs New Mexico State AggiesMar 12
- L72-79at Liberty FlamesMar 7
- L80-83at Delaware Blue HensMar 6
- W86-81vs Missouri State BearsFeb 28
- W100-67vs Florida International PanthersFeb 27
- W82-78vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 21
- W78-70vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 19
- W83-79at Kennesaw State OwlsFeb 14
- L78-87at Louisiana Tech BulldogsFeb 7
- W70-66vs UTEP MinersFeb 5
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 5-5Streak L276 scored · 74.9 allowed per game1-3 away
- L76-79at New Mexico State AggiesMar 7
- 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
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 | 25-52 | 27-62 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 9-22 | 6-25 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 24 |
| Free throws | 20-27 | 13-20 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 19 |
| Assists | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 13 |
| Blocks | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 36 |
| Fouls | 16 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 34 | 57 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half40-44Amir Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-44Amir Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-44Trey Simpson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Frankquon Sherman assists)
- 2nd Half44-46Veljko Ilic makes layup (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half46-46Frankquon Sherman makes layup
- 2nd Half48-46Frankquon Sherman makes 2-foot dunk (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half48-48Veljko Ilic makes layup (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half51-48RJ Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-49Veljko Ilic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-49Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-49Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-51Kashie Natt makes layup
- 2nd Half56-51Amir Taylor makes 23-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half56-54Damon Nicholas Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half58-54Amir Taylor makes layup (Braedan Lue assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Jacob Walker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-56RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-56RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Jacobe Coleman makes layup (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half62-58Frankquon Sherman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half65-58Amir Taylor makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half65-59Jacob Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60Jacob Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Frankquon Sherman makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half67-61Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-62Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Jacob Walker makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-67Jacobe Coleman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jacob Walker assists)
- 2nd Half70-67Trey Simpson makes 22-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half71-67Jaden Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-67Jaden Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-67Jaden Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Jacob Walker makes 8-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half76-69Amir Taylor makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half76-71Jacob Walker makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half77-71Amir Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-71Amir Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-72Damon Nicholas Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-73Damon Nicholas Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-73Trey Simpson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Sam Houston Bearkats, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- Propst ArenaHuntsville, AL
- Attendance2467
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Jason Baker, Michael Wallace
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