Preview: Liberty Looks to Rebound at Kennesaw State KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — The Liberty Flames, ranked 18th in the latest AP Top 25 poll, aim to steady themselves after a rare stumble when they visit the Kennesaw State Owls in a Conference USA men’s basketball clash on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. Liberty (23-4, 13-2 CUSA) saw its eight-game winning streak snapped decisively in a 94-73 home loss to Western Kentucky last Saturday. The Flames, whose four losses have come by an average of 18.5 points, will rely on guard Colin Porter to reignite their efficient offense. Porter is averaging 13.4 points and 3.1 assists over his last seven games, including a 20-point effort in the loss to the Hilltoppers. They face a Kennesaw State squad (16-11, 9-6) that has found its footing defensively, coming off a gritty 58-55 victory over Louisiana Tech. The Owls have won three of their last four, largely behind the dynamic play of guard RJ Johnson. He is averaging 19.6 points and 5.4 assists over his last seven contests, including a 29-point performance in a road win at Missouri State. The Owls will need another standout game from Johnson to challenge a Liberty team that leads the conference in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense. Kennesaw State’s offense, however, has been inconsistent, scoring 58 points or fewer in two of its last five outings. In the teams’ first meeting this season on Jan. 2, Liberty secured an 81-73 home victory. The Flames’ balance prevailed as five players scored in double figures, overcoming 22 points from Kennesaw State’s Terrell Burden. The matchup pits Liberty’s methodical, disciplined system against Kennesaw State’s more volatile, guard-driven attack. A win for the Owls would bolster their seeding for the upcoming conference tournament, while Liberty looks to maintain its grip on first place in the standings. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST at the KSU Convocation Center. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.