Kennesaw State Owls Defeat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 81-65
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Kennesaw State Owls 81, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 65, 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 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Kennesaw State Owls beat Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 81-65 at E.A. Diddle Arena on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Kennesaw State Owls vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive victory, the Kennesaw State Owls triumphed over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers with a final score of 81-65 at E.A. Diddle Arena. This matchup was notable as both teams entered the game with solid records, the Owls at 12-6 and the Hilltoppers at 11-7, making the outcome significant for both squads in their respective seasons.
The Owls came into this game riding a three-game winning streak, having recently defeated Florida International Panthers, Jacksonville State Gamecocks, and Missouri State Bears. In those games, Kennesaw State averaged 88.7 points while allowing 82.7, showcasing a potent offense but a defense that has struggled at times. Their recent form over the last ten games reflects a record of 6-4, with an average of 84.1 points scored and 76.4 points allowed. Notably, they maintained a perfect home record of 6-0, but struggled away with an 0-4 record prior to this game.
On the other hand, the Hilltoppers were also in decent form, having won their last two games against Missouri State Bears and UTEP Miners. Their recent performance saw them with a record of 6-4 in the last ten games, scoring an average of 77.8 points while conceding 73.5. At home, they had a strong record of 5-1, but their away performance was less impressive at 1-3. This game was crucial for Western Kentucky to maintain momentum and solidify their standing in the league.
The previous meetings between these two teams were split, with each team winning once in the 2025 season. The Hilltoppers had previously defeated the Owls 85-69 at home, while Kennesaw State returned the favor with a 76-69 victory in their last encounter away.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but such factors often play a critical role in the performance of teams at this level.
The betting market reflected a competitive outlook prior to the game, with DraftKings setting the spread at WKU -7.5 and a total of 165.5 for the game. The odds indicated a strong favor towards the Hilltoppers, with a moneyline of -395 for them and +310 for the Owls, suggesting that the market expected Western Kentucky to perform well at home.
As the game unfolded, Kennesaw State’s offense proved to be too much for the Hilltoppers. RJ Johnson was instrumental for the Owls, contributing significantly from the free-throw line in the second half. The Owls built a commanding lead, which they maintained throughout the latter stages of the game. The scoring plays included multiple successful free throws from Johnson and a notable dunk from Braedan Lue, assisted by Johnson.
The conditions in E.A. Diddle Arena were favorable for a high-scoring game, and both teams had shown the capacity to score heavily in their recent outings. However, Kennesaw State's ability to execute their game plan effectively allowed them to control the pace and flow of the match.
Overall, this game highlighted Kennesaw State's offensive capabilities and their potential to compete at a high level, while also raising questions about Western Kentucky's consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The Owls' victory not only adds to their momentum but also serves as a statement win against a fellow contender.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -7.5 | 165.5 o -112 / u -108 | Kennesaw State Owls +310 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -395 |
Leaders
- PointsRyan Myers16Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsRyan Myers3Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsTeagan Moore8Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsRJ Johnson31Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson5Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman10Kennesaw State Owls
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W277.8 scored · 73.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W87-72vs Missouri State BearsJan 15
- W68-56at UTEP MinersJan 10
- L64-80at New Mexico State AggiesJan 9
- W66-61vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 4
- W102-91vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 2
- L67-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 30
- L81-82vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 20
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
- L61-77at Marshall Thundering HerdDec 11
- W80-79vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 6
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 6-4Streak W384.1 scored · 76.4 allowed per game0-4 away
- 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
- W88-73vs Jackson State TigersDec 3
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 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-59 | 20-68 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 29 |
| Three-pointers | 11-30 | 10-33 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 30 |
| Free throws | 22-29 | 15-23 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 49 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 37 | 26 |
| Assists | 15 | 9 |
| Steals | 4 | 4 |
| Blocks | 9 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 18 |
| Fouls | 17 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 79 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half43-34LJ Hackman makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jack Edelen assists)
- 2nd Half43-36Teagan Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-39Ryan Myers makes 24-foot three point jumper (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half43-42Ryan Myers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half43-44LJ Hackman makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half45-44RJ Johnson makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half48-44RJ Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trey Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half48-46Teagan Moore makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half48-47Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-47RJ Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-48Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-48Kaden Rickard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-48Kaden Rickard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-48Jaden Harris makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kaden Rickard assists)
- 2nd Half55-49Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-49Jaden Harris makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braedan Lue assists)
- 2nd Half61-49RJ Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-52Ryan Myers makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-52Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-52Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-52Frankquon Sherman makes layup (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half67-52Frankquon Sherman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-54Armelo Boone makes layup
- 2nd Half68-54RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-54RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-54Jaden Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-57Kade Unseld makes 25-foot three point jumper (Grant Newell assists)
- 2nd Half71-60Cam Haffner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Grant Newell assists)
- 2nd Half72-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-60Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-60Frankquon Sherman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-60RJ Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-61Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-62Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-62Braedan Lue makes 3-foot dunk (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half81-65Grant Newell makes 35-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Kennesaw State Owls.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance3823
- OfficialsKevin Mathis, Bharat Ramnanan, Allen Sutton
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