Preview: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Kennesaw State Owls KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — A pivotal Conference USA men’s basketball matchup featuring two teams jockeying for postseason position will take place Saturday when the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs visit the Kennesaw State Owls. Both teams enter the 3 p.m. EST tip-off at the KSU Convocation Center with identical 15-11 overall records, adding stakes to an already compelling league contest. The Bulldogs arrive following a 77-71 home victory over Jacksonville State on Wednesday, fueled by a historic performance from point guard AJ Bates. The player to watch dished out 15 assists to go with 13 points in that win, showcasing the distribution skills that make him the engine of the Louisiana Tech offense. Over his last eight games, Bates is averaging 11.0 points and 7.5 assists per contest. The Owls counter with their own high-scoring guard in RJ Johnson, who is coming off a spectacular 29-point effort in a 91-87 road win at Missouri State on Wednesday. Johnson has been on a tear, scoring 20 or more points in four of his last six outings, including a 20-point, 9-rebound, 7-assist stat line in a rout of New Mexico State on Jan. 31. This game serves as a quick rematch from last month, when Louisiana Tech secured an 82-76 home win over Kennesaw State on Jan. 23. The Bulldogs will look to complete the regular-season sweep, while the Owls aim to defend their home court and level the series. Louisiana Tech has shown resilience in close games, with a double-overtime road win at Missouri State on Feb. 12 among its recent results. Kennesaw State’s conference slate has been a rollercoaster, featuring both explosive offensive nights and tough defensive lapses. The outcome could significantly impact the Conference USA standings as the regular season enters its final weeks. Following this game, Louisiana Tech hosts Missouri State and Florida International next week, while Kennesaw State prepares to host Liberty and Delaware.