Liberty vs Kennesaw State Picks and Prediction – 1/31/2025

The Liberty Flames (16-4, 4-3 Conference) travel to face the Kennesaw State Owls (12-8, 4-3 Conference) in an ASUN showdown. Liberty is riding a two-game win streak after an 82-59 blowout against FIU. Kennesaw State is looking to bounce back from a tough 73-71 road loss to UTEP. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Liberty has been one of the most efficient teams offensively, averaging 78.6 points per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Kaden Metheny leads the team with 13.4 points per game on 45.6% shooting. Zach Cleveland has been a key contributor, leading the team in rebounds (6.6) and assists (4.9). The Flames also excel at ball movement, averaging 17.1 assists per game, which has been a significant factor in strong offensive performances.

Defensively, Liberty is among the best in the conference, allowing just 61.4 points per game. The Flames force mistakes with 7.4 steals per game, led by Colin Porter’s 1.6 steals per game. The shot-blocking presence isn’t dominant (2.8 blocks per game), but they make up for it with disciplined defense and efficient rotations. 

Kennesaw State enters this matchup averaging 78.9 points per game, slightly higher than Liberty, but shooting is significantly lower at 42.6% from the field. Simeon Cottle has been the Owls’ top scorer with 18.4 points per game while shooting 91.4% from the free-throw line. Jamil Miller leads the team with 5.8 rebounds per game, but rebounding remains an area of concern despite the Owls averaging 43 boards per game. The offense is not as fluid as Liberty’s, averaging only 13.5 assists per game.

Defensively, Kennesaw State has struggled, allowing 74.4 points per game, which could be an issue against a highly efficient Liberty offense. The Owls do a solid job contesting shots with 4.5 blocks per game, led by Andre Weir, but they have trouble forcing turnovers, averaging just 6.7 steals per game. 

Liberty has the defensive edge in this matchup, allowing 13 fewer points per game than Kennesaw State. Superior shooting and ball movement will be key against an Owls team that struggles to contain opposing offenses. Kennesaw State has the firepower to keep things close, but Liberty’s defense and efficient offense should be the difference. Final Score Prediction: Liberty Flames wins and covers 76-70.