Event Preview
Overview
The Kennesaw State Owls women's basketball team is set to host the Thomas University Night Hawks in a non-conference exhibition game on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The matchup will take place at the KSU Convocation Center in Kennesaw, Georgia. This game serves as a warm-up for the Owls as they prepare for their upcoming Conference USA schedule. Additionally, the event will feature the annual Teddy Bear Toss, benefiting the Wellstar Pediatric Center. (ksuowls.com)
Season Snapshot
Kennesaw State Owls:
The Owls enter this season as newcomers to Conference USA, aiming to make a strong impression in their new conference. Their current record stands at 4-3, with notable victories over Life University (72-53) and Erskine College (94-44). However, they have faced challenges against higher-tier opponents, including a 79-65 loss to the University of Alabama on December 1. (rolltide.com)
Thomas University Night Hawks:
The Night Hawks have a balanced record of 6-6, with a 2-1 standing in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). Their recent games include a 1-1 split against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Life University. In their most recent outing, LaTarius Montgomery led the team with 20 points and seven blocks against Life University. (ksuowls.com)
Recent Form
Kennesaw State Owls:
The Owls have shown resilience, especially in close games, holding a 2-1 record in one-possession contests. Defensively, they have been effective, forcing an average of 18.9 turnovers per game and limiting opponents to under 40% shooting in four contests. Offensively, graduate guard Keyarah Berry has been a standout, leading the team with 17.1 points per game and contributing significantly on defense with 3.1 steals per game. (ksuowls.com)
Thomas University Night Hawks:
The Night Hawks have demonstrated competitive play within their conference, with a 2-1 record in SSAC games. Their recent performance against Life University, where Montgomery scored 20 points and recorded seven blocks, highlights their defensive capabilities. However, their overall record suggests inconsistency, which they will aim to address in this exhibition game. (ksuowls.com)
Talking Points
- Conference Transition: How will Kennesaw State's move to Conference USA impact their performance this season?
- Defensive Strategies: Can the Owls' aggressive defense continue to disrupt opponents' offenses?
- Player Development: What impact will the return of redshirt sophomore Trynce Taylor have on the team's dynamics?
- Exhibition Game Goals: What are the key objectives for both teams in this exhibition matchup?
- Community Engagement: How will the annual Teddy Bear Toss enhance the game-day experience for fans?
Players to Watch
- Keyarah Berry (Kennesaw State): Leading the team with 17.1 points per game and 3.1 steals per game, Berry's performance is crucial for the Owls' success. (ksuowls.com)
- Shania Nichols (Kennesaw State): Averaging 19 points per game on 68.8% shooting in her last two starts, Nichols has been a significant offensive contributor. (ksuowls.com)
- LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas University): Scored 20 points and recorded seven blocks in the recent game against Life University, showcasing her defensive prowess. (ksuowls.com)
- Trynce Taylor (Kennesaw State): Returning from a season-ending injury, Taylor has been impactful, including a game-winning shot against Tennessee Tech. (ksuowls.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Berry vs. Montgomery: The battle between Kennesaw State's leading scorer and Thomas University's defensive standout will be pivotal.
- Owls' Defense vs. Night Hawks' Offense: Kennesaw State's aggressive defense will test Thomas University's offensive strategies.
- Taylor's Return Impact: Assessing how Taylor's return influences the Owls' lineup and performance.
Fun Facts
- Kennesaw State's largest margin of victory was 69 points against Thomas University on November 9, 2021. (s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com)
- The Owls have forced 15 or more turnovers in six games this season. (ksuowls.com)
- The annual Teddy Bear Toss supports the Wellstar Pediatric Center, enhancing community engagement. (ksuowls.com)
Things to Chirp About
- "Can the Owls' defense continue to dominate against the Night Hawks?"
- "Is Shania Nichols the offensive spark Kennesaw State needs?"
- "How will Trynce Taylor's return affect the Owls' lineup?"
- "Will the Night Hawks' offense find a way to break through Kennesaw State's defense?"
Prediction
Kennesaw State's aggressive defense and the return of key players like Trynce Taylor are likely to give them an edge in this exhibition game. While Thomas University has shown competitive play, the Owls' depth and home-court advantage may lead them to a comfortable victory.