Kennesaw State Owls Defeat Liberty Flames 74-65
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · VyStar Arena
Kennesaw State Owls 74, Liberty Flames 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 Liberty Flames vs Kennesaw State Owls?
Kennesaw State Owls beat Liberty Flames 74-65 at VyStar Arena on February 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Liberty Flames vs Kennesaw State Owls?
Liberty Flames were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In a significant matchup, the Kennesaw State Owls triumphed over the Liberty Flames with a final score of 74-65 at VyStar Arena. This victory is notable as it marks a shift in the Owls' recent performance, particularly against a strong opponent like Liberty, who entered the game with a record of 23-5. Kennesaw State's home record now stands at 18-11, while Liberty's away record drops to 23-6.
The Owls have been showing some resilience, having won their last two games, which contributed to their overall record of 17-11. In their last ten games, Kennesaw State has a record of 5-5, with an average of 76.5 points scored and 75.4 points allowed. Their recent form includes victories against Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (58-55) and Missouri State Bears (91-87), showcasing their ability to compete effectively at home. However, they have also faced challenges, with losses to teams like Sam Houston Bearkats (79-83) and Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (87-90).
On the other hand, Liberty had been enjoying a strong season, with a record of 9-1 in their last ten games prior to this matchup. They averaged 77.1 points scored and allowed 72.1 points during that stretch. However, their recent loss to Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (73-94) may have impacted their momentum heading into this game. Liberty's previous performances included a narrow victory against Florida International Panthers (90-89) and wins against UTEP Miners (73-64) and Missouri State Bears (79-76).
In terms of head-to-head meetings, Kennesaw State had struggled against Liberty, holding a 1-3 record in their last four encounters. Their most recent meeting on January 3, 2026, ended in a loss for the Owls, with a score of 73-81. This victory for Kennesaw State not only boosts their confidence but also alters the narrative surrounding their rivalry with Liberty.
The betting market had favored Liberty slightly, with DraftKings listing the Flames as 1.5-point favorites. The total for the game was set at 152.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring affair. The odds reflected the close nature of the matchup, with Kennesaw State at -105.0 on the moneyline and Liberty at -115.0.
The game was played under favorable conditions, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of a supportive home crowd for Kennesaw State. The Owls capitalized on their home advantage, which has historically been a factor in their performances.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays that highlighted Kennesaw State's ability to maintain their lead. Notable plays included a driving layup by Frankquon Sherman, which pushed the score to 74-65 late in the second half. The Owls' defense also played a crucial role, limiting Liberty's scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers at critical moments.
As the game concluded, Kennesaw State's victory solidified their position as a competitive force in the league, while Liberty will need to regroup after this unexpected setback. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how both teams respond in their upcoming fixtures.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LIB -1.5 | 152.5 o -110 / u -110 | Liberty Flames -115 · Kennesaw State Owls -105 |
Leaders
- PointsRJ Johnson25Kennesaw State Owls
- AssistsRJ Johnson5Kennesaw State Owls
- ReboundsFrankquon Sherman9Kennesaw State Owls
- PointsBrett Decker Jr.15Liberty Flames
- AssistsKaden Metheny4Liberty Flames
- ReboundsKaden Metheny4Liberty Flames
Recent form
Kennesaw State Owls
Last 10: 5-5Streak W276.5 scored · 75.4 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- L76-82at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 23
- L87-93at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 22
- W81-65at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 17
Liberty Flames
Last 10: 9-1Streak L177.1 scored · 72.1 allowed per game5-0 away
- L73-94vs Western Kentucky HilltoppersFeb 21
- W90-89vs Florida International PanthersFeb 19
- W73-64at UTEP MinersFeb 14
- W77-75at New Mexico State AggiesFeb 12
- W79-76vs Missouri State BearsFeb 7
- W75-69at Delaware Blue HensFeb 5
- W81-65at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 30
- W67-51vs Delaware Blue HensJan 24
- W76-69at Western Kentucky HilltoppersJan 22
- W80-69vs UTEP MinersJan 17
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 | Liberty Flames | Kennesaw State Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-42 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 8-22 | 11-18 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 61 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 7-12 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 58 |
| Rebounds | 21 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 1 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 22 |
| Assists | 11 | 14 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 30 |
| Fouls | 13 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 29 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half33-33Brett Decker Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half33-36RJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amir Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half36-36Brett Decker Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half36-39RJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amir Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half36-41Braedan Lue makes 5-foot dunk (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half37-41JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-41JJ Harper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-43Frankquon Sherman makes layup
- 2nd Half38-46RJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half39-46JJ Harper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-48Perry Smith Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-48JJ Harper makes 4-foot dunk (Brett Decker Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half43-48Josh Smith makes layup (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half43-51Frankquon Sherman makes 26-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half43-54RJ Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Frankquon Sherman assists)
- 2nd Half44-54Colin Porter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-54Colin Porter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Kaden Metheny makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half48-57Jaden Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half49-57Zach Cleveland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-57Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Zander Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-57Zander Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-58Braedan Lue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-60Frankquon Sherman makes layup
- 2nd Half55-60Brett Decker Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaden Metheny assists)
- 2nd Half55-63RJ Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Frankquon Sherman assists)
- 2nd Half55-65RJ Johnson makes layup (Braedan Lue assists)
- 2nd Half55-66RJ Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-66JJ Harper makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-68Trey Simpson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-68Zach Cleveland makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-68Zach Cleveland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-70RJ Johnson makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-70Zach Cleveland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-70Zach Cleveland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72Frankquon Sherman makes 3-foot dunk (Trey Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half65-72JJ Harper makes 4-foot dunk (Zach Cleveland assists)
- 2nd Half65-74Frankquon Sherman makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Kennesaw State Owls, below favours Liberty Flames.
Venue
- VyStar ArenaKennesaw, GA
- Attendance2046
- OfficialsJoe Lindsay, Wil Howard, Shaun Seales
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