Led by Simeon Cottle's 28 points, the Kennesaw State Owls defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 83-71 in the Conference USA opener for both teams.

Simeon Cottle had 28 points in Kennesaw State’s 83-71 home victory over Jacksonville State on Saturday night in the Conference USA opener for both teams.

Kennesaw St. 10-30 (Cottle 4-11, Lue 2-4, Wooley 2-5, Miller 1-3, Wright 1-4, Gordon 0-1, Heard 0-2). Fouled Out_Cotton, Gordon, Weir. Rebounds_Jacksonville St. 24 (Brigham 6), Kennesaw St. 39 (Gordon 12).

Kennesaw State plays the Jacksonville State Gamecocks after Prencis Harden scored 34 points in the Owls' 62-59 loss to the Mercer Bears.