KENNESAW, Ga. — The Convocation Center came alive as Kennesaw State achieved a monumental 79-77 victory over No. 24 Rutgers, marking their first-ever home game triumph against a ranked opponent. Jamil Miller set the tone with a stellar double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, spearheading the Owls’ dominant start and helping them establish a 21-point lead in the first half.
The pivotal moment occurred 13 minutes into the game when Miller drained a three-pointer, electrifying the crowd and giving the Owls an 11-9 lead they held for the remainder of the contest. Simeon Cottle (15 points) and Ricardo Wright (14 points) contributed critical baskets as Kennesaw capitalized on efficient shooting (50% in the first half) and a commanding 46-27 edge in rebounding.
Rutgers mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, with standout performances by freshmen Dylan Harper (21 points) and Ace Bailey (17 points). Their efforts cut the deficit to two points in the final seconds. However, the Scarlet Knights’ 50% second-half shooting was not enough to overcome the Owls’ disciplined execution and dominance on the boards.
This landmark victory underscores Kennesaw State’s potential to compete at the highest level, inspiring confidence for future challenges. The Owls now turn their attention to hosting UC Irvine on Thursday, while Rutgers will face Notre Dame in Las Vegas as part of the Players Era Thanksgiving Festival.
Until next time...
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