Game Preview: Jacksonville State at Kennesaw State

KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — A key early Conference USA matchup unfolds Saturday when the Kennesaw State Owls host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at the KSU Convocation Center.

Both teams enter with winning momentum, each coming off home victories last Wednesday. Kennesaw State (9-6) defeated Missouri State 90-80, while Jacksonville State (8-7) beat Florida International 71-64. The contest features two of the league’s top guards in a compelling backcourt duel.

The Owls are led by dynamic guard Simeon Cottle, who is coming off a spectacular 25-point, 11-assist performance in the win over Missouri State. Over his last five games, Cottle is averaging 19 points and 5 assists, serving as the primary catalyst for Kennesaw State’s offense, which averages 82.1 points per game.

Jacksonville State will counter with guard JaCoby Hill, who scored a team-high 19 points in the Gamecocks’ last outing. Hill has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in four of his last eight games. His backcourt mate, Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, added 18 points against FIU, giving Jacksonville State a potent scoring combination.

Kennesaw State holds a slight edge in the standings and has been strong at home this season, boasting notable non-conference wins over Georgia State and Jackson State in Kennesaw. However, the Owls have dropped their first two CUSA road games at Liberty and Delaware.

Jacksonville State has shown resilience, winning three of its last four games, including a road victory at Delaware. The Gamecocks’ defense, which allows 68.7 points per game, will be tested by the Owls’ high-paced attack.

This game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 7 in Jacksonville, Alabama.

The winner will gain an early advantage in the conference race as both programs look to build toward the CUSA tournament in March. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.