Navigating the Opening Stretch - Highlights and Hurdles of the First 7 Games in 2023-2024

By Austyn McFadden

Dec 1, 2023

Commencing their season with a resounding triumph in the home opener against Oakwood University on November 7th, 2023, the Owls dominated the court with an impressive score of 93-46. This victory marked Head Coach Antoine Pettway’s inaugural win at the helm of the Kennesaw State University basketball program.

The Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball team has exhibited commendable performance in the ongoing 2023-2024 regular season, engaging in a total of six games, resulting in a notable record of four wins and two losses (4-2). Demonstrating a recent surge in form, the team achieved a significant victory over Northeastern University, clinching the game with a thrilling buzzer-beater.

However, the team faced a setback in their second game against Florida State University on November 10th, 2023, succumbing to defeat with a scoreline of 94-67. Undeterred, the Owls swiftly returned to their home court prowess in the third game against Keiser on November 15th, 2023, securing a commanding win with a score of 101-55.

The Kennesaw State University Owls Men’s Basketball team ventured into the Townbank Holiday Classic basketball tournament, commencing with a resounding triumph against in-state rival Georgia Southern University on November 19th, 2023, securing a 96-92 victory. This win not only marked a significant achievement but also instilled confidence in the team for the remainder of the tournament.

Continuing their success, the Owls faced Northeastern University on November 20th, 2023, emerging triumphant with a narrow 79-77 victory that concluded with a sensational buzzer-beater by KSU’s Desmond Robinson. This remarkable play earned a coveted spot on Sportscenter’s top 10 highlights.

Concluding the Townbank Holiday Classic basketball tournament, the Owls experienced a hard-fought defeat against East Carolina University on November 21st, 2023, with a final score of 85-84. The game featured a decisive half-court shot from East Carolina in the closing seconds, securing their victory over the Owls.

In their seventh game of the season, played away against Florida International University on November 26th, 2023, the Owls encountered a challenging match. Despite a valiant effort to rally back and narrow the gap, the team ultimately succumbed to a 91-84 defeat.

As of now, the Kennesaw State University Owls Men’s Basketball team maintains an overall record of 4-3. Anticipating a pivotal home game against the Georgia State University Panthers on December 2nd, 2023, at 1 PM, the team remains optimistic about its future. The program’s recent successes underscore its potential for continued excellence in the world of collegiate basketball.

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Kennesaw State Athletics

Austyn McFadden

I co-founded Undrafted, helping grow it from two people with cameras into a credentialed sports media organization covering thousands of college and professional events each year. My background spans sports media, brand strategy, identity, and digital design. I have also spoken on photography, branding, and entrepreneurship at Nossi College of Art, Greenon Local Schools, and Wright State University through Reynolds & Reynolds.