| MATCHUP | Missouri State Bears | Kennesaw State Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 9-6 | 9-6 |
| Where | KSU Convocation Center, Kennesaw, GA | |
| When | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Missouri State Bears and the Kennesaw State Owls meet Wednesday in college basketball action from KSU Convocation Center. Here’s a Missouri State vs Kennesaw State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Missouri State vs Kennesaw State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Missouri State Bears Betting Preview
Missouri State opened up their season at 4-5 through the first nine games. The losses in that time were versus Arkansas State, TX-Arlington, Long Island U, Tulsa and Xavier. The Bears have since won five straight over Oral Roberts, Lindenwood, Delaware, UTEP and New Mexico State however, giving the team a 9-5 record across their first 14 outings of the year so far.
In the New Mexico State matchup on Sunday, the Bears entered the second half with a 53-41 advantage. Missouri State was outscored 41-36 from there but still held on for the 89-82 win in the end. Tops in scoring was Julius Mims with 22 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double. Jemel Jones added 18 points in 32 minutes and Elijah Elliott had 16 points in 27 minutes of work.
Kennesaw State Owls Betting Preview
Over on the Kennesaw State side, they managed to win eight of their first 10 games this year, taking out Paine, Florida A&M, Point University, Rice, Florida Gulf Coast, Jackson State, Georgia State and Southern Wesleyan. Since then however it’s been losses to Middle Tennessee, Alabama, Liberty and Delaware, giving the Owls an 8-6 record in 14 games so far.
Matched up against the Hens on Sunday, the Owls came out of halftime with a seven-point deficit. Kennesaw State didn’t get any closer than that in the second and ended up losing 67-52 in the end. Simeon Cottle led the team with 16 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Braedan Lue doubled up on 11 points with 10 rebounds and Ramone Seals had 11 points.
Missouri State Bears @ Kennesaw State Owls Betting Trends: January 7, 2026
Why the Kennesaw State Owls will win
- Kennesaw State has won nine of its last 10 night games at VyStar Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Missouri State has lost three of its last four road games following a home win.
Why the Missouri State Bears will win
- Missouri State has won 10 of its last 11 games against the Conference USA.
- Kennesaw State has lost each of its last four games against Conference opponents.
- Kennesaw State has lost the first half in each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Missouri State vs Kennesaw State Prediction
I’ll stay with Missouri State but you could probably make a case either way. The Bears were able to fend off a decent New Mexico State team in their last outing, shooting 46.3 percent from the field with 47.6 percent (10-of-21) from outside. Missouri State did get outmuscled on the boards 32-27 and in the paint 32-26, however. The Bears have won five straight games, scoring 70 or more points in three of them while giving up fewer than 66 points in four.
As for the Owls, they shot a dismal 28.3 percent from the field and 20 percent (7-of-35) from 3-point range in their latest loss to Delaware. Kennesaw State was blitzed on points in the paint 38-14 and had 13 turnovers as well. The Owls have now lost four straight games, giving up 67 or more points in each while finishing fewer than 68 points in two of them.