KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — Simeon Cottle scored 28 points as Kennesaw State held off Jacksonville State 88-82 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Saturday at KSU Convocation Center.

The Owls (10-6) led 46-43 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. The Gamecocks (8-8) were led by Mostapha El Moutaouakkil’s 23 points. Both teams shot identically from the field, but Kennesaw State’s 25-for-34 performance at the free-throw line proved decisive, compared to Jacksonville State’s 17 for 27.

Cottle added four assists for Kennesaw State. RJ Johnson scored 16 points for the Owls, while El Moutaouakkil added six rebounds. Attendance was 2,141.