Kennesaw State Basketball’s Overtime Thriller Sets Stage for Crucial Oral Roberts Clash

The Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball team secured a dramatic overtime victory against Rice. The 89-84 win happened on Monday in Fort Myers, Florida. This advances their run in the GEICO Coconut Hoops tournament.

Their next challenge is against Oral Roberts on Tuesday, November 25. The matchup is critical for tournament positioning. According to official statistics from Kennesaw State Athletics, the team is now 4-1 to start the season.

A Comeback Forged in the Second Half

Kennesaw State faced a steep deficit against Rice. They were down by 11 points with just over 14 minutes left in regulation. The game seemed to be slipping away.

The Owls mounted a relentless defensive stand to claw back. Guard Simeon Cottle hit a driving shot with six seconds left to force overtime. This clutch play capped a remarkable team effort.

Ramone Seals was the offensive catalyst throughout. He scored a career-high 25 points on efficient shooting. His fast-break dunk in the final two minutes of overtime helped seal the victory.

Defensive Grit and a Program Milestone

The win was not just about scoring. Kennesaw State’s defense locked down when it mattered most. Rice missed nine of its final ten shots in regulation.

This defensive intensity created the opportunity for the comeback. The victory also marked a significant program milestone. It was the team’s first-ever win against a school from the American Athletic Conference.

The statistics show a tightly contested battle. Both teams shot similar percentages from the field. Kennesaw State’s advantage came at the free-throw line and in key moments.

Key Game Statistics

Kennesaw State Field Goal Percentage: 40.0%

Rice Field Goal Percentage: 41.9%

Game-Deciding Run: Owls outscored Rice late in regulation and controlled overtime.

What the Oral Roberts Matchup Means

The upcoming game carries weight for the tournament bracket. Oral Roberts enters with a 2-5 record but is always a threat. They recently lost a high-scoring game to FGCU.

Kennesaw State will look to continue its strong start. The team has begun 4-1 for the fourth consecutive season. Maintaining defensive focus will be key against the Golden Eagles.

A win would position the Owls favorably for a potential championship game berth. It would also provide momentum as non-conference play continues. The game tips off at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed on FloSports.

Kennesaw State basketball has shown resilience and clutch performance, turning their Coconut Hoops run into a statement of intent for the rest of the season.

Info at your fingertips

When is the Kennesaw State vs. Oral Roberts game?

The game is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. It will be played in Fort Myers as part of the tournament.

How did Ramone Seals perform against Rice?

Ramone Seals scored a career-high 25 points. He was efficient, shooting 6-of-8 from the field. His dunk in overtime was a crucial momentum play.

What was the final score of the KSU vs. Rice game?

Kennesaw State beat Rice 89-84. The game required overtime to decide the winner. The Owls completed an 11-point second-half comeback.

Where can fans watch the next game?

The game will be streamed live on FloSports. Television broadcast information has not been widely announced. Live stats will be available through the university’s athletic website.

What is Kennesaw State’s current season record?

After the win over Rice, Kennesaw State’s record is 4-1. This is their fourth straight season starting with at least four wins. They are performing well in non-conference play.

Trusted Sources

Kennesaw State University Athletics, ESPN College Basketball, Associated Press sports reports.