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Kennesaw State didn’t just open its 2025-26 preseason with a win, they made a statement. From the moment West Georgia sunk the game’s first basket, the Owls unleashed a 20-0 run that felt like a basketball clinic in motion. By the time the first media timeout rolled around, KSU had staked an 18-point lead and never looked back, ultimately cruising to an 86-73 victory at VyStar Arena. If last season’s momentum was a whisper, Sunday afternoon turned it into a full-throated roar.
The Owls came out firing on all cylinders, and the scoreboard reflected it. Kennesaw State’s approach was aggressive: push the tempo, move the ball, and punish defensive lapses. The first half became a highlight reel of what the Owls do best. They hit big three-pointers, attacked the rim, and made West Georgia’s defensive schemes look like a rough draft. At the half, the Owls led 43-24, a margin that was as much about precision as it was about sheer energy.
Senior guard Simeon Cottle, the 2025-26 Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year, looked every bit the part. By halftime, he had already tallied 11 points, knocking down 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, showing off the shooting range that makes him a nightmare for any defender. Complementing him, forward Ramone Seals was relentless at the charity stripe, hitting 4-of-5 free throws, and controlling paint touches that kept the Owls rolling.
West Georgia, on the other hand, had flashes of competency but struggled to turn shots into points. Shelton Williams-Dryden, their key offensive threat, had 4-of-9 from the field and grabbed five defensive rebounds, but the Wolves were hampered by turnovers and a lack of finishing at the rim. Forward JaVar Daniel contributed four points in the first half, but the Wolves never seemed to find consistent offensive rhythm.
If this game had a headline star, it was Simeon Cottle. By the final buzzer, he had scored 19 points, going 7-of-15 from the floor and 5-of-10 from deep, orchestrating KSU’s offense like a general who knows both the playbook and the opposing defense’s weaknesses. But Cottle wasn’t alone. RJ Johnson added 17 points and six assists, serving as the connective tissue that made KSU’s fast-paced offense feel effortless. Ramone Seals and freshman Trey Simpson each chipped in 10 points, demonstrating that this Owls roster isn’t a one-man show, it’s a symphony.
The shooting stats tell the story: KSU hit 43.8% from the field, including 47.1% in the second half, and drained 10 three-pointers. But the real dagger was the boards. The Owls controlled the glass 50-31, turning defensive rebounds into instant transition opportunities and giving West Georgia few second-chance points.
The Wolves did not roll over. They made a push in the second half, trying to chip away at the deficit and ignite a comeback. There were glimpses of the team’s potential, with Williams-Dryden staying active on both ends of the court. Yet, for all their hustle, KSU’s combination of depth, discipline, and sheer shooting volume proved too much. Every time West Georgia scored, the Owls had an answer; a three, a rebound, a fast-break dunk, and the Wolves’ effort couldn’t convert into sustained momentum.
If there’s a single sequence that encapsulates this game, it came early. After West Georgia’s opening basket, KSU went on a 20-0 run, turning the arena into an Owls-only zone. That burst wasn’t just points, it was a psychological knockout. From that moment, KSU dictated tempo, spacing, and flow. West Georgia never fully recovered, and KSU’s lead ballooned to 28 points before they allowed themselves to coast slightly in the closing minutes.
Preseason games are usually about experimenting and shaking off rust, but Sunday’s contest hinted at a deeper narrative: Kennesaw State is not just riding last year’s momentum—they are building a roster with depth, shooting, and leadership that could make them a serious force in Conference USA. Cottle’s preseason accolades were justified, but the supporting cast: Johnson, Seals, Simpson; demonstrated that KSU could be more than a one-man team.
For West Georgia, the game was a reminder of what needs fixing. They showed flashes of competitive grit, but the inefficiency at the rim, turnovers, and lack of depth underscored that rebuilding this roster won’t be simple. Still, there are pieces to work with, and preseason snapshots like these offer a blueprint for where adjustments are critical.
KSU’s win wasn’t just about points; it was about style, pace, and setting a tone. Coach Antoine Pettway captured it perfectly: “I’m looking forward to seeing this team grow and get better as the season goes along.” And if Sunday is any indication, that growth might be explosive. With a deep rotation, sharpshooters who can punish from beyond the arc, and a preseason player of the year leading the charge, Kennesaw State fans have plenty to be excited about.
Meanwhile, West Georgia heads back to the drawing board, reminded that talent alone won’t win games, it’s about execution, finishing, and maintaining composure against relentless opponents.
At the VyStar Arena, the Owls didn’t just win; they reminded everyone why they’re a team to watch. Fast-paced, fearless, and firing on all cylinders, this Kennesaw State squad looks like it’s ready to turn preseason hype into real-season dominance.
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