Kennesaw State Faces New Mexico State In Key CUSA Showdown

The Kennesaw State Owls women’s basketball team is riding high after a dominant 83-52 win over UTEP, and they’re looking to keep the momentum going as they welcome the New Mexico State Aggies to the KSU Convocation Center on Saturday, January 24, 2026. With both teams eager to climb the Conference USA standings, fans can expect an intense midday showdown in Kennesaw, Georgia, with tip-off set for 2 p.m. ET and live coverage on ESPN+.

There’s no denying the Owls’ recent surge. Their latest victory over UTEP wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. KSU tied a season-high with 32 field goals made on 69 attempts, racking up their most points against a Division I opponent this year. That 31-point margin of victory matched their largest in a conference game since March 2024, and showcased both offensive firepower and defensive grit.

“We’re playing with confidence and sharing the ball well,” said head coach Octavia Blue after the UTEP game. “When we’re aggressive on both ends, we’re tough to beat.” The Owls certainly backed up her words, outscoring UTEP 47-23 in the second half and holding the Miners to a dismal 0-for-7 from beyond the arc. KSU’s defense has now kept opponents scoreless from three-point range in three games this season, a testament to their relentless perimeter pressure.

On the offensive end, the Owls are leading Conference USA in both field goal percentage (44.5%) and three-point shooting (35.8%), with their long-range accuracy ranking 26th nationally. The team’s balanced attack was on full display Thursday, as Trynce Taylor returned to the starting lineup and poured in a season-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Shania Nichols matched her with 18 points of her own, marking her seventh double-figure outing this season. Notably, KSU is undefeated at 5-0 when Nichols leads or co-leads the team in scoring—a trend they’ll hope continues against the Aggies.

Keyarah Berry, a consistent force for the Owls, chipped in 13 points against UTEP, notching her 43rd career double-figure scoring game. Berry’s steady production has been vital, and she’s on the verge of several career milestones, including moving into the top ten for games played and free throws made in KSU’s Division I era.

The battle on the boards has also been a major strength for Kennesaw State. They out-rebounded UTEP 44-29, including a commanding 16-7 edge on the offensive glass. That translated into a 17-5 advantage in second-chance points and a 46-28 edge in the paint. For a team that’s now +136 in paint scoring through 17 games, it’s clear that the Owls are making the most of every possession. Freshman TaTianna Stovall contributed 11 rebounds, her second double-digit effort in just 17 collegiate games, and continues to rank among the conference’s top shot blockers.

Defensively, KSU ranks in the top five in Conference USA in nearly every major category: scoring defense (60.8 points allowed per game), opponent field goal percentage (39.2%), blocks (3.82 per game), steals (9.71 per game), and turnovers forced (19.5 per game). Their opportunistic approach was evident as they scored 24 points off 17 UTEP turnovers, the second-highest such output this season.

As for the Aggies, New Mexico State enters Saturday’s contest with a 7-12 overall record and a 3-4 mark in Conference USA play. They’re coming off a tough 57-46 loss at Jacksonville State, a game where they shot just 30.2% from the field after a hot start. Morane Dossou was a bright spot, recording her second consecutive double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds, and adding a career-high four blocks. Lucia Yenes led the Aggies in scoring with 13 points, marking her 14th double-figure game this season, while Imani Warren contributed 11 points and four steals.

NM State’s head coach Jody Adams was candid after the Jacksonville State defeat: “We knew it was going to be a battle with Jax State, it always is. I thought we had great practices leading up to today, but I have to give the credit to Jax State for executing when it was hard. Our bench has been important in our wins and we really need them to be ready and to produce, which we know they can. We play in a tough league. It takes mental toughness to win, especially on the road.”

Warren echoed her coach’s sentiments, saying, “Offensively, our execution wasn’t good. We took some tough shots, didn’t knock down open ones and that hurt us. They played with more fight, aggression and effort, and they made more shots. That’s the difference, and that’s something we have to fix. We didn’t bring the urgency we needed, and that’s on all of us.” Dossou added, “We didn’t play to our standard today. Our shooting and execution weren’t where they should be. We absolutely have to execute better, finish possessions and be more disciplined on both ends. This loss is on us, and it shows us what we need to clean up moving forward.”

The Aggies have struggled offensively this season, averaging just 58.4 points per game while allowing 66.4—a -152 scoring differential. Still, Yenes (14.5 points per game) and Warren (12.4 points per game) have been steady contributors, and Dossou’s recent form gives NM State hope for a turnaround. The Aggies have also shown flashes of defensive prowess, matching their season-high with six blocks against Jacksonville State and tying a season-low with just 13 turnovers.

Saturday’s matchup will be the third all-time meeting between the Owls and Aggies, with the series tied at one win apiece. Last season, KSU edged out NM State 68-66 at home before falling 61-57 in Las Cruces. With both teams jostling for position in the middle of the Conference USA pack—KSU tied for ninth with Delaware and NM State sitting in eighth—there’s plenty at stake.

Kennesaw State’s home-court advantage could play a crucial role. The Owls have won 12 straight home games when leading after the first quarter and are 41-19 under Coach Blue in such scenarios. Their recent ability to start and finish strong—posting their highest scoring first and fourth quarters of the season against UTEP—could spell trouble for an Aggies squad still searching for consistency.

Fans looking to catch the action can secure tickets for the 2025-26 Kennesaw State women’s basketball campaign, with season and single-game options available. The Owls Fund, the primary fundraising arm of KSU Athletics, continues to support student-athletes and programs through various initiatives, connecting fans with exclusive benefits and events.

As tip-off approaches, anticipation is building for a tightly contested Conference USA clash. Can the Owls extend their hot streak and climb the standings, or will the Aggies bounce back from their recent setback and steal a crucial road win? With both teams boasting standout performers and hungry for a statement victory, Saturday’s game promises drama, intensity, and no shortage of storylines. Stay tuned—this one’s shaping up to be a must-watch in Kennesaw.