Kennesaw State basketball rallies from 11-point deficit to stun Rice 89-84 in Coconut Hoops overtime thriller, now faces Oral Roberts

Kennesaw State basketball continues its Coconut Hoops tournament run with a high-stakes matchup against Oral Roberts on November 25, 2025. The Owls enter the game riding high after a thrilling 89-84 overtime victory over Rice on Monday afternoon at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Florida.

Owls Rally from 11-Point Deficit to Stun Rice in Overtime Thriller

Kennesaw State faced a significant challenge against Rice as they trailed by 11 points in the second half. The Owls were down 56-45 with 14 minutes and 30 seconds remaining in regulation play. Despite the deficit, KSU mounted an impressive comeback that resulted in one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes.

Simeon Cottle connected on a driving bank shot with just six seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 83-83, forcing overtime. Both Seals and Cottle scored 25 points apiece, with Seals making crucial plays throughout the extra period including a fast break dunk that gave KSU a five-point lead with under two minutes remaining.

Rice’s offense stalled down the stretch, missing 9 of their final 10 shots over the last 7:23 of regulation play. The Owls’ pressure defense forced turnovers and limited scoring opportunities that proved decisive in securing the comeback victory.

Defensive Dominance and Historic Achievement Mark KSU Performance

Kennesaw State kept the second-half defensive pressure relentless, allowing Rice just one free throw over the final 59 seconds of regulation. KSU held second-ranked national field goal defense status entering the game but allowed Rice to shoot 46% in regulation, making adjustments that paid off dramatically in the second half.

Stat Category	Kennesaw State	Rice
Field Goal %	40.0% (28-70)	41.9% (26-62)
Three-Point %	34.5% (10-29)	34.8% (8-23)
Free Throw %	76.7% (23-30)	63.2% (24-38)
Rebounds	44	41

The victory marked KSU’s first-ever win over an American Conference team, a significant milestone for the Owls program. Seals’ 25-point effort on 6-of-8 shooting represents a career-high, with his impact extending beyond scoring as he recorded critical blocks in the final 20 seconds of regulation.

Ramone Seals Makes Big Moments Bigger in Clutch Situations

Seals’ performance showcased why Kennesaw State’s backcourt is dangerous in close games. He scored 18 points on highly efficient shooting in the opening half, then stepped up again when the game mattered most during overtime. His fast break dunk off a Cottle steal with 1:52 remaining sealed the victory and highlighted his ability to finish in high-pressure moments.

The Owls’ bench production and depth proved valuable throughout the contest. Darius Washington III, Amir Taylor, and Trey Simpson scored seven of the next eight points when Rice held a six-point lead late in regulation, demonstrating how KSU’s younger players contributed to the comeback. Kaden Rickard added key baskets that helped tie the game at critical junctures.

Oral Roberts Challenge Tests Undefeated Start in Tournament Play

Oral Roberts brings a 2-5 record into the matchup but will pose a different challenge than Rice’s three-point shooting approach. The Golden Eagles fell to FGCU 93-88 in their recent tournament appearance and enter looking to bounce back against the hot Owls squad. This contest carries tournament implications as teams vie for positioning and potential championship berths.

Kennesaw State will need to maintain its defensive intensity from the second half of the Rice game and avoid allowing the Golden Eagles to settle into a rhythm early. The Owls’ ability to close out games and execute in clutch moments, demonstrated against Rice, will be essential against a team seeking redemption.

What Does the Kennesaw State vs Oral Roberts Matchup Mean for the Coconut Hoops Bracket?

The winner of this game likely advances deeper into the tournament bracket, potentially setting up championship-round opportunities. Kennesaw State’s 4-1 start positions the team as a legitimate threat to win the tournament despite being a lower seed than some participants. An Oral Roberts victory would give the Golden Eagles momentum heading into the final day of tournament play.

“KSU is now 4-1 in overtime games under Coach Pettway over the past three years.”

— Kennesaw State Athletics, Official Program Statistics

The Owls continue play in the GEICO Coconut Hoops on Tuesday, November 25 at 4:30 p.m. ET, with the game streamed live on FloSports. Fans can follow the action as KSU looks to improve its tournament record and move one step closer to championship contention.

Sources

• Kennesaw State University Athletics – Official game recap and statistics
• Rice University Athletics – Official game information and box score
• ESPN College Basketball – Live game coverage and scores