Preview: Missouri State Bears at Kennesaw State Owls KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — Two teams trending in opposite directions will meet in a Conference USA men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night when the Kennesaw State Owls host the Missouri State Bears at the KSU Convocation Center. Missouri State (9-5) enters on a five-game winning streak, its latest an 89-82 victory over New Mexico State on Sunday. The Bears have found their rhythm in conference play, averaging 77.4 points during the streak. The surge has been fueled by guard Kobi Williams, who is coming off a career-high 32-point performance against New Mexico State. Over his last five games, Williams is averaging 18.6 points while playing nearly 36 minutes per contest. He is complemented by Keith Palek (16 points, six rebounds Sunday) and Michael Osei-Bonsu, providing a balanced offensive attack. Conversely, Kennesaw State (8-6) looks to halt a four-game skid, all coming on the road. The Owls fell 67-52 at Delaware on Sunday, struggling offensively with a 32.8% shooting performance. Despite the team’s struggles, forward Braedan Lue has been a consistent bright spot, recording a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) with four blocks against the Blue Hens. Lue has tallied double-doubles in two of his last four outings. The Owls will need more from their backcourt, led by Simeon Cottle (16 points, seven assists Sunday), to keep pace with Missouri State’s scorers. Kennesaw State’s defense, which allowed an average of 77.5 points during the losing streak, will be tested by a Bears team that has scored at least 70 points in four consecutive games. Historically, this is a new conference rivalry, with both programs in their first season as CUSA members. The game marks the start of a critical homestand for Kennesaw State, which plays four of its next five at the Convocation Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday. The Bears continue their road trip Saturday at Florida International, while the Owls host Jacksonville State the same day.