Introduction
The Kennesaw State Owls and Liberty Flames have forged a compelling rivalry in men’s basketball, particularly since their first meeting in 2019. As members of Conference USA (CUSA), both teams have shown remarkable growth, with each matchup bringing its own drama and intensity.
This article explores the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline, highlighting key games, standout performances, and the evolution of this exciting series.
History of the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline
The Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline began on January 16, 2019, when Liberty traveled to Kennesaw, Georgia, and defeated the Owls 62-41. This initial victory set the tone for a series initially dominated by Liberty. Over the next few years, Liberty continued to assert their superiority, winning every game until 2023. However, Kennesaw State’s recent victories have made this rivalry more competitive, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.
Early Dominance by Liberty (2019-2022)
From 2019 to 2022, Liberty won all nine games against Kennesaw State in the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline. For instance, on January 30, 2020, Liberty crushed Kennesaw State 83-45 at home, showcasing their superior firepower.
Another notable game occurred on February 26, 2022, when Liberty overcame a tough challenge, winning 100-93 in overtime. These victories solidified Liberty’s position as the frontrunner in the early years of the rivalry.
On February 26, 2019, Liberty continued their dominance with a 76-59 home win. The Flames’ strong defense and efficient offense overwhelmed the Owls. Similarly, on January 8, 2021, Liberty secured a 69-63 victory at home, maintaining their perfect record.
The following day, January 9, 2021, Liberty won again, 76-47, further highlighting their control over the series.
In the 2020-2021 season, Liberty defeated Kennesaw State 69-59 in a neutral-site game in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 4, 2021. This game, part of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Tournament, showcased Liberty’s ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, on January 31, 2022, Liberty won 65-50 on the road, continuing their unbeaten streak against the Owls.
The February 27, 2020, game saw Liberty triumph 76-52 in Kennesaw, Georgia. This victory was marked by Liberty’s strong three-point shooting, a recurring theme in their early success. Overall, Liberty’s early dominance in the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline was characterized by consistent wins and significant margins.
Kennesaw State’s Resurgence (2023-2025)
The tide began to turn in 2023, reshaping the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline. On February 16, 2023, Kennesaw State secured their first victory over Liberty, winning 88-81 at home.
This win marked a significant milestone, as the Owls finally broke through against their rivals. The momentum continued on March 5, 2023, when Kennesaw State edged out Liberty 67-66 in a thrilling finish, securing their first ASUN Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.
In the 2024-2025 season, Kennesaw State continued their resurgence. On March 2, 2025, the Owls defeated Liberty 85-80 at Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, Virginia. This road victory was a testament to Kennesaw State’s growing confidence and ability to compete with top teams.
However, Liberty responded in the Conference USA Tournament semifinals on March 14, 2025, narrowly winning 81-79, showing that the rivalry remains fiercely contested.
Key Games and Performances
Several games in the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline stand out due to their intensity and impact.
- March 14, 2025: In the CUSA Tournament semifinals, Liberty and Kennesaw State faced off in Huntsville, Alabama. Liberty emerged victorious with an 81-79 win, thanks to Kaden Metheny’s 24 points, including crucial three-pointers. For Kennesaw State, Simeon Cottle led with a career-high 32 points, showcasing his scoring prowess in a tightly contested game.
- January 30, 2025: Liberty won 76-68 at Kennesaw State’s home court, with Metheny contributing 17 points. This victory was pivotal for Liberty, helping them maintain their strong position in the CUSA standings. Kennesaw State fought hard but couldn’t overcome Liberty’s balanced attack.
- March 5, 2023: Kennesaw State’s 67-66 victory was a turning point in the rivalry. Chris Youngblood’s game-winning layup with seconds remaining sealed the win, marking a historic moment for the Owls. This game, part of the ASUN Tournament, propelled Kennesaw State to their first NCAA Tournament appearance.
- February 16, 2023: Kennesaw State’s 88-81 win over Liberty was their first in the series. The Owls’ high-energy offense and strong defense overwhelmed the Flames, signaling a shift in the Kennesaw State Owls Men’s Basketball Vs Liberty Basketball Timeline
Coaches and Leadership
The Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball vs. Liberty basketball timeline is also shaped by the leadership of their coaches. For Kennesaw State, Antoine Pettway took over as head coach in April 2023, replacing Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led the Owls to their 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance.
Pettway, a former player and assistant coach, has brought a fresh perspective, emphasizing defensive intensity and team cohesion. His leadership has been instrumental in Kennesaw State’s recent victories against Liberty.
Liberty is led by Ritchie McKay, who returned to the Flames in 2015 for his second stint as head coach. McKay, who previously coached Liberty from 2007 to 2009, has transformed the program into a CUSA powerhouse.
Under his guidance, Liberty has won multiple conference titles and made several NCAA Tournament appearances. McKay’s strategic acumen and ability to recruit elite talent have kept Liberty competitive in the Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball vs. Liberty basketball timeline.
Key Players
Both teams have featured standout players who have left their mark on the Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball vs. Liberty basketball timeline.
For Kennesaw State, guard Simeon Cottle has been a consistent performer, often leading the Owls in scoring against Liberty. His 32-point performance in the March 14, 2025, game was a highlight, demonstrating his ability to take over games. Chris Youngblood has also been crucial, particularly with his clutch performance in the 2023 ASUN Tournament.
Liberty’s Kaden Metheny has been a key figure, with his scoring and leadership on the court. Metheny’s 24 points in the March 14, 2025, game helped Liberty secure a critical win. Zach Cleveland has also been a versatile contributor, providing playmaking and defensive stability for the Flames.
Other notable players include Brandon Stroud and Terrell Burden for Kennesaw State, who have added depth, and Colin Porter for Liberty, known for his defensive prowess and timely scoring.
Statistical Overview
The following table summarizes the Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball vs. Liberty basketball timeline from 2019 to 2025:
| Date | Season | Location | Score |
| 3/14/2025 | 2024-25 | Neutral, Huntsville, Ala. | Liberty 81, Kennesaw 79 |
| 3/2/2025 | 2024-25 | Home, Lynchburg, Va. | Kennesaw 85, Liberty 80 |
| 1/30/2025 | 2024-25 | Away, Kennesaw, Ga. | Liberty 76, Kennesaw 68 |
| 3/5/2023 | 2022-23 | Away, Kennesaw, Ga. | Kennesaw 67, Liberty 66 |
| 2/16/2023 | 2022-23 | Away, Kennesaw, Ga. | Kennesaw 88, Liberty 81 |
| 2/26/2022 | 2021-22 | Home, Lynchburg, Va. | Liberty 100, Kennesaw 93 (OT) |
| 1/31/2022 | 2021-22 | Away, Kennesaw, Ga. | Liberty 65, Kennesaw 50 |
| 3/4/2021 | 2020-21 | Neutral, Jacksonville, Fla. | Liberty 69, Kennesaw 59 |
| 1/9/2021 | 2020-21 | Home, Lynchburg, Va. | Liberty 76, Kennesaw 47 |
| 1/8/2021 | 2020-21 | Home, Lynchburg, Va. | Liberty 69, Kennesaw 63 |
| 2/27/2020 | 2019-20 | Away, Kennesaw, Ga. | Liberty 76, Kennesaw 52 |
| 1/30/2020 | 2019-20 | Home, Lynchburg, Va. | Liberty 83, Kennesaw 45 |
| 2/26/2019 | 2018-19 | Home, Lynchburg, Va. | Liberty 76, Kennesaw 59 |
| 1/16/2019 | 2018-19 | Away, Kennesaw, Ga. | Liberty 62, Kennesaw 41 |
Key Stats:
- Wins: Liberty 11, Kennesaw State 3
- Largest Margin of Victory: Liberty 83-45 (January 30, 2020)
- Closest Game: Kennesaw State 67-66 (March 5, 2023)
- Total Points Scored by Liberty: 1,060 (average 75.7 points per game)
Current Season and Future Outlook
In the 2024-2025 season, both teams have proven to be strong contenders in CUSA. Liberty, with a 23-6 overall record and 11-5 in conference play as of March 2, 2025, remains a top team. Kennesaw State, with a 17-13 overall record and 9-8 in CUSA, has shown they can compete at a high level. The Owls’ road win over Liberty on March 2, 2025, highlights their growing prowess.
Looking ahead, the Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball vs. Liberty basketball timeline is expected to feature more intense battles. As both programs continue to develop under their respective coaches, each game could have significant implications for conference titles and NCAA Tournament berths. Fans can anticipate thrilling matchups as these teams strive for dominance in CUSA.
Conclusion
The Kennesaw State Owls men’s basketball vs. Liberty basketball timeline illustrates a rivalry that has evolved from one-sided dominance to a closely contested battle. With Liberty holding an 11-3 lead in the series but Kennesaw State winning three of the last five games, the future promises even more excitement.
This rivalry showcases the growth of both programs and their commitment to excellence in college basketball. Stay tuned for more thrilling chapters in this captivating series.
