The Liberty Flames (21-6, 12-2) and Kennesaw State Owls (20-7, 12-2) will meet Thursday evening in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Owls have been arguably the biggest surprise in the ASUN this season. Yes, Kennesaw was expected to compete in the top half of the conference standings, but for them to be sitting at 12-2 in the ASUN and atop the league standings this late in the season is not something that was expected by many outside of Kennesaw.

Thursday’s game will likely determine who will win the ASUN regular season title and secure home court throughout the ASUN Tournament. Since Liberty and KSU only meet once this season, the winner will hold the tiebreaker and will have one game lead with only three games left in the regular season.

“I don’t take for granted that we’re in a race for a conference championship,” said Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay. “It’s significant. It’s really hard to do. The sustained success that our program has experienced is because of a lot of hard work from some players and our assistant coaching staff that I think has been emulated by Kennesaw’s situation.”

Here’s everything you need to know for Thursday’s matchup:

How to Watch – Liberty Flames (21-6, 12-2) vs Kennesaw State (20-7, 12-2)

  • Date: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023
  • Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Online Streaming: Watch ESPN
  • Radio (Lynchburg): LFSN Radio (107.5 FM)

Odds and Statistics

  • KenPom currently gives Liberty a 68 percent chance to win the game with a predicted score of 71-66.
  • ESPN’s Basketball Power Index currently gives Liberty a 75.4 percent chance to win the game.

Previous Matchup

  • Liberty is 9-0 all-time against Kennesaw State.
  • The Flames defeated the Owls in both meetings last season, including a 65-50 decision on the road and a 100-93 final margin in overtime at Liberty Arena in the regular season finale.
  • Darius McGhee scored 47 points in the overtime win over the Owls last season.

Probable Starters

Stat Leaders (2022-23 Season)

Liberty:

  • Points: Darius McGhee – 21.1 PPG
  • Rebounds: Blake Preston – 5.3 RPG
  • Assists: Colin Porter – 4.1 APG

Ritchie McKay Press Conference Pre-Kennesaw State