In a thrilling Conference USA matchup on Saturday, Sam Houston's Bearkats edged out Kennesaw State's Owls 83-79 in Kennesaw, Georgia, showcasing a back-and-forth battle that came down to clutch plays in the second half.
Damon Nicholas Jr. led the charge for Sam Houston with 21 points, proving particularly lethal from beyond the arc. According to game reports, Nicholas shot 6 for 8 from the field, including a perfect 4 for 4 from three-point range, and added 5 of 8 from the free-throw line. His performance was pivotal, especially as the Bearkats improved to 17-8 overall and 9-5 in conference play with the victory.
Po’Boigh King complemented Nicholas's scoring with 20 points of his own, going 6 for 8 from the field and 7 for 8 at the line. Jacob Walker also contributed significantly, finishing 6 of 10 from the field to tally 14 points. These efforts helped Sam Houston maintain momentum after a closely contested first half, where they held a slim 45-42 lead.
For Kennesaw State, the loss dropped them to 14-11 overall and 6-8 in Conference USA. Amir Taylor matched Nicholas's output with 21 points, while also grabbing six rebounds and recording two steals. RJ Johnson added another 21 points to go with six assists, and Braedan Lue nearly notched a double-double with 20 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
The game, played at the Convocation Center in Kennesaw, highlighted the competitive nature of mid-major college basketball in the Conference USA, a league that includes schools from across the South and Midwest. Sam Houston, which transitioned to Division I from the Southland Conference in 2023, has been building its program under head coach Jason Hooten, aiming to establish itself as a contender.
Kennesaw State, making its own leap to Division I in 2005 and joining Conference USA this season after a stint in the ASUN, has shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency. The Owls entered the game on a mixed streak, having split their previous six contests, and their balanced scoring attack kept them in contention throughout.
Halftime saw Sam Houston nursing a three-point advantage, with Nicholas accounting for 12 of the Bearkats' 45 points in the opening period. The Owls, buoyed by strong interior play from Lue and perimeter threats from Johnson and Taylor, stayed within striking distance, trailing by just three at the break.
The second half turned into a seesaw affair, with Kennesaw State briefly taking a three-point lead. However, Sam Houston responded with a decisive 10-2 run that flipped the script, giving the Bearkats a 69-64 edge with 7:55 remaining. This surge, fueled by King's hot hand—he scored 14 of his 20 points after intermission—proved to be the game-winner.
King's efficiency from the field and line during that stretch helped Sam Houston pull away just enough to withstand a late rally from the Owls. Despite the efforts of Taylor, who continued to attack the rim, and Johnson, who distributed the ball effectively, Kennesaw State couldn't quite close the gap in the final minutes.
The Associated Press, which covered the game using data from Sportradar, noted the intensity of the finish, with both teams trading blows until the buzzer. This victory marks Sam Houston's third straight win in conference play, bolstering their position in the standings as they eye a potential postseason berth.
For Kennesaw State, the defeat underscores ongoing challenges in closing out tight games on their home floor. Coach Antoine Pettway's squad has relied heavily on its senior leaders like Taylor and Johnson, but defensive lapses in the second half allowed Sam Houston to capitalize.
Looking broader, Conference USA has been a hotbed of parity this season, with no clear dominant team emerging early on. Sam Houston's road win adds to their resume, particularly as they prepare for upcoming games against rivals like Liberty and Western Kentucky. The Bearkats' balanced attack, led by scorers like Nicholas and King, could be key in navigating the league's tough schedule.
Kennesaw State, meanwhile, will look to rebound quickly with a home game against Jacksonville State next week. Improving their rebounding and perimeter defense will be crucial, especially with Lue providing a strong presence in the paint but needing more support from the wings.
As the regular season progresses toward March, games like this one illustrate the stakes for bubble teams vying for the conference tournament. Sam Houston's resilience in overcoming the deficit speaks to their growth, while Kennesaw State's fightback shows promise amid their rebuilding phase.
With the scoreline reflecting a hard-fought contest—83-79—the matchup served as a microcosm of Conference USA basketball: high-energy, skill-filled, and unpredictable. Fans can expect more such thrillers as the Bearkats and Owls continue their campaigns.