Kennesaw State men's basketball dug out of an 18-point hole and won it at the free-throw line. Kris Parker hit two free throws with 0.8 seconds left to lift the Owls past Austin Peay 71-69 on Friday night, Nov. 6, at VyStar Arena.
The Owls (2-0) trailed 21-3 midway through the first half and did not lead until Avery Thomas II buried a three with 34 seconds left to make it 69-68. Austin Peay tied it at the line with four seconds to go, then Parker drew a foul on a three-point try and, after missing the first, made the next two. It was KSU's biggest comeback since rallying from 21 down against Brewton-Parker on Nov. 14, 2016.
Key Performers
Parker led the Owls with 14 points, three assists and three rebounds. Thomas posted his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, plus three steals and two blocks, after missing seven of his first eight threes. Amir Taylor added 10 points and eight boards, freshman Kyler Theophile had seven points and eight rebounds, and freshman Antwane Daniels scored eight with seven rebounds and no turnovers, including the three that cut the halftime gap to 34-29. Anthony Enoh was perfect from the floor and the line for six points and two blocks off the bench.
Box Score Highlights
- Final: Kennesaw State 71, Austin Peay 69 (halves: 29-34, 42-35)
- Rebounds: KSU 49-34, including 14-8 offensive
- Second-chance points 17-6, paint points 36-26, fast-break points 10-2
- Bench scoring: KSU 30, Austin Peay 10
- Austin Peay's Zyree Collins led all scorers with 23 points
Up Next
The homestand continues Tuesday, Nov. 10, when the Owls host Winthrop at 7 p.m. ET at VyStar Arena on ESPN+. Revisit our Austin Peay preview, and check the full 2026 Kennesaw State schedule for every upcoming game.
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Source: Kennesaw State Athletics, Owls Rally from 18 Down for Last-Second Win over Austin Peay 71-69