the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

02/14/08 - vs Stetson - W 78-59
02/16/08 - vs Florida Gulf Coast - W 96-64
02/23/08 - @ Jacksonville - W 72-59
02/29/08 - @ Mercer - L 59-70

Atlantic Sun Final Regular Season Standings '07-'08
1. Belmont Bruins 20-9 (13-3)
2. Campbell Fighting Camels 20-9 (11-5)
3. Kennesaw State Owls 17-12 (11-5)
4. Mercer Bears 15-13 (11-5)
5. East Tennessee State 13-15 (8-8)
6. Stetson Hatters 12-18 (8-8)
7. North Florida Ospreys 13-15 (7-9)
8. Lipscomb Bisons 13-16 (7-9)
9. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles 12-19 (7-9)
10. Jacksonville Dolphins 11-16 (6-10)
11. SC Upstate Spartans 7-21 (4-12)
12. Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 5-22 (3-13)

The Belmont Bruins are your Atlantic Sun regular season champs. Kennesaw State finishes at third in Phil Mariner's first year at the helm. A successful season would be most people's opinion's for this Owl team; however, Phil Mariner and his bunch have got to be thinking more. Three games separate them from their first ever NCAA tournament appearance. It would be a monumental feat if Mariner can pull it off.

Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament
Round 1
1. Belmont
8. Lipscomb

5. E. Tennessee State
4. Mercer

6. Stetson
3. Kennesaw State

7. North Florida
2. Campbell

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

03/05/08 - Atlantic Sun 1st Round Tournament Game - Stetson Hatters 12-18 vs Kennesaw State Owls 17-12 - W 67-69

The Owls didn't take long to experience the madness of March. In their first game in the month of March they had to do everything they could to win and survive. Stetson jumped out to grab the lead and held on to it for every second except the last couple that matter the most.

Junior SG Nick Mattone, a knockdown three pointer who sees limited minutes off the bench, hit the Owls biggest three pointer of the season with 0.8 seconds to win their first round game. It was their only lead of the game and it came when it mattered most.

The team's unquestioned leader of the past two months, Ronell Wooten, had one of his worst games of the season, scoring just 5 points on 2-8 shooting.

Ryan Daughtery was able to do his part in filling the void scoring. The sophomore was the team's scoring leader with 18 points (6-12 FG), 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Campbell Fighting Camels (20-9) await the Owls in the second round of the Atlantic Sun tournament.

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

03/06/08 - Atlantic Sun 2nd Round Tournament Game - Kennesaw State Owls 8-12 vs Campbell Fighting Camels 20-9 - W 60-56

Another close game, another victory for Phil Mariner and the Owls. PF Shuan Stegall carried the team recording a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds as well as 4 steals.

Kennesaw State's second round win can most be accredited to their second half defense. After giving up 36 points in the first half of play, the Owls clamped down and only gave up 20 in the second half.

The victory over Campbell gives Kennesaw State a season sweep over the Fighting Camels. Campbell was a top team in the conference all year long so this is something Mariner and the Owls can build off of.

But the season isn't over yet. And to the surprise of many, Kennesaw State will be facing Mercer and not Belmont. Mercer (17-13) upset Belmont to the tune of 99-85 giving us a #4 seed vs a #3 seed for a ticket to the NCAA tournament.

Atlantic Sun Tournament
Round 1
1. Belmont - 77
8. Lipscomb - 63

5. E. Tennessee State - 67
4. Mercer - 68

6. Stetson - 67
3. Kennesaw State - 69

7. North Florida - 57
2. Campbell - 71

Round 2
1. Belmont - 85
4. Mercer - 99

3. Kennesaw State - 60
2. Campbell - 54

Round 3
4. Mercer Bears 17-13
3. Kennesaw State 19-12

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

03/07/08 - Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship - #3 Kennesaw State Owls 19-12 vs #4 Mercer Bears 17-13 - L 67-53

You live by the three, and you die by the three. For the better part of the season, Kennesaw State has lived by the former. On the biggest game of the season, the Owls died by the latter. The Owls went 3/17 (.18%) from three point land and never really had a shot in this one.

Mercer controlled the game from the the tip and the Bears lead only grew as Kennesaw State tried to shoot their way back into it. Ronell Wooten finished his last game as an Owl only recording 6 points (1-5 from deep). It was a sad way for the senior wing to go out, but he had a memorable season on the year.

Kennesaw State didn't earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, and they also did not get an invitation to the NIT tournament. Phil Mariner's first season will end at 19-13. It's a winning record, and a third place finish in the conference combined with an appearance in the conference championship game has to feel nice. But like all seasons that get cut short, it also feels like there is more to be desired. You can bet Mariner and the Owls will be wanting more in his second year with the team.

Kennesaw State Owls 19-13 - '07-'08

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

NCAA '07-'08 Tournament
Final Four
#10 Georgetown 89
#2 Syracuse 72

#3 Indiana 83
#2 North Carolina 87

National Championship
#10 Georgetown 57
#2 North Carolina 68

2007-08 National Champions: #2 North Carolina Tar Heels 31-8 (91 OVR)

Player of the Year: North Carolina's PF #50 - 25.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG

------------------------------

Kennesaw State Player Awards:
First-Team All-Conference: SR SG - Ronell Wooten (73 ovr) - 16.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.2 bpg

Second-Team All-Conference: SR PF - Shuan Stegall (70 ovr) - 11.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.3 bpg

------------------------------

Players Leaving:
SR SG - Ronell Wooten (73 ovr)
- Wooten was the best player on the team this year. He was a streaky shooter, but if he caught fire watch out. He was the guy we looked to when we needed a a big shot and he will be hard to replace.

SR PF - Shuan Stegall (70 ovr)
- Stegall is a guy who really found his game late in the season. Mariner played around with his front court options early in the season, but once he settled on Stegall starting at the 4 spot, the senior took off. Stegall had numerous double-double games for the Owls and he was the most dependable rebounder on the team.

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

Kennesaw State Recruiting Recap

The Owls signed three 3 star recruits, a very successful class for Mariner's first year. Surprisingly, he signed no one from the state of Georgia. Instead, he signed a player from Indiana, California, and was even able to grab a talented player out of the Bahamas. All three players project to come in and fight for immediate playing time. Phil Mariner will have figure out a plan on how to incorporate "his players".. all three are rated the highest on the roster. Will he let the older players start or let his freshman take control of the team from the start.

Signings:

Three Star PG (OVR: NR | POS: NR) - Jeffrey Moss 6'1" 163 lbs. - 68 ovr - 79 close, 78 hand, 80 pass, 82 def, 78 stl, 88 spd, 82 qck,
- Moss will come in and look to give the Owls a steady presence at the point guard position. He's not going to take over games with his scoring, but he's a quick guard who makes good decisions with the ball. He's also a steady defender. Moss should turn into a great two-way player.

Three Star C (OVR: 438 | POS: 48) - Tre Long 6'10" 243 lbs. - 66 ovr - 84 close, 86 short, 70 dunkst, 77 oreb, 78 dreb,
- Tre Long, the Owls only in-season signing, is a big bodied center whose size will tremendously help out the Owls down low. He's going to be a day one starter and Mariner is going to ask a lot out of the big guy early in his career. He can score down low, grab boards, and looks to be pretty durable. Long should be a steady force for the Owls in his time at Kennesaw State.

Three Star SG (OVR: 399 | POS: 97) - Regis Mims 6'3" 194 lbs. - 65 ovr - 78 lay, 78 hand, 78 def
- Mims is probably the only of the three new players whose playing time will be a question. The Owls already have some guys at the wing position now who they know they can depend on, and Mims didn't come in as the pure scorer that the Owls were hoping he'd be. Instead, it looks like Mims will be a solid role player earning minutes off the bench in his early playing days. If he can make an impact on the defensive end it might end up being hard to keep him off the floor.

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

2008-09 SEASON PREVIEW

Coaching History
Phil Mariner (19-13) - Year 2
- Year 1 - Kennesaw State Owls 19-13

Coach Ratings
OVR - C+
OFF - C-
DEF - C-
TEA - C
SCO - C-
CHA - A+
DIS - C-

Kennesaw State Owls
OVR - 71
OFF - 72
DEF - 67
SHT - 76
REB - 76

Roster
Point Guards
Jeffrey Moss - 68 ovr - 6'1" 163 lbs - FR
Zach Berry - 58 ovr - 6'2" 178 lbs - RS JR

Shooting Guards
Regis Mims - 65 ovr - 6'3" 194 lbs - FR
J.D. Pollock - 63 ovr - 6'5" 194 lbs - RS JR
Nick Mattone - 62 ovr - 6'4" 194 lbs - SR

Small Forwards
Ryan Daugherty - 64 ovr - 6'5" 207 lbs - RS JR
Keonte Keith - 56 ovr - 6'5" 216 lbs - JR

Power Forwards
PF #12 - 64 ovr - 6'9" 240 lbs - RS JR
PF #30 - 59 ovr - 6'6" 224 lbs - JR
Tanner Jacobs - 59 ovr - 6'7" 224 lbs - SO
PF #41 - 52 ovr - 6'7" 217 lbs - JR

Centers
Tre Long - 66 ovr - 6'10" 243 lbs - FR
C #32 - 51 ovr - 7'2" 224 lbs - RS SO
C #44 - 51 ovr - 6'11" 220 lbs - JR

Schedule
01. 11/08/08 - @ Winthrop
02. 11/15/08 - vs E. Kentucky
03. 11/18/08 - @ N. Iowa
04. 11/22/08 - vs Coastal Carolina*
05. 11/26/08 - @ UNC Greensboro*
06. 12/02/08 - vs Tulane*
07. 12/06/08 - @ Georgia
08. 12/13/08 - @ South Florida*
09. 12/17/08 - vs #14 LSU
10. 12/28/08 - vs Davidson
11. 01/01/09 - vs SC Upstate
12. 01/08/09 - vs Campbell
13. 01/10/09 - vs E. Tennessee St.
14. 01/15/09 - @ Belmont
15. 01/17/09 - @ Lipscomb
16. 01/23/09 - vs Stetson
17. 01/25/09 - vs Jacksonville
18. 01/30/09 - vs Florida Gulf Coast
19. 02/01/09 - vs North Florida
20. 02/06/09 - @ Mercer
21. 02/08/09 - @ Gardner-Webb
22. 02/12/09 - vs Belmont
23. 02/14/09 - vs Lipscomb
24. 02/19/09 - @ E. Tennessee St.
25. 02/23/09 - @ Campbell
26. 02/28/09 - @ SC Upstate

Blue - Tournament Game
Red - Conference Game
* - Will be simmed; conference games will be played/simmed on a flex schedule

Preseason Top 25
01. Connecticut - 88
02. Memphis - 87
03. North Carolina - 87
04. Louisville - 87
05. Michigan State - 87
06. Duke - 88
07. Texas - 87
08. Syracuse - 86
09. Indiana - 86
10. Washington - 85
11. Villanova - 86
12. UCLA - 86
13. Providence - 88
14. LSU - 86
15. Tennessee - 87
16. Wisconsin - 82
17. Stanford - 86
18. Kansas - 86
19. North Carolina State - 82
20. Kentucky - 83
21. Georgetown - 87
22. Marquette - 84
23. Oklahoma State - 84
24. Pittsburgh - 85
25. Alabama - 84

Atlantic Sun Preseason Rankings
01. Belmont - 71
02. Mercer - 72
03. Campbell - 70
04. East Tennessee State - 73
05. Gardner-Webb - 72
06. Kennesaw State - 71
07. Jacksonville - 72
08. Stetson - 68
09. Florida Gulf Coast - 69
10. South Carolina Upstate - 68
11. North Florida - 66
12. Lipscomb - 67

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

NOVEMBER 2008 RECAP

Kennesaw State Owls 2-3

01. 11/08/08 - @ Winthrop - W 63-59
02. 11/15/08 - vs E. Kentucky - L 50-73
03. 11/18/08 - @ N. Iowa - W 60-59
04. 11/22/08 - vs Coastal Carolina* - L 60-64
05. 11/26/08 - @ UNC Greensboro* - L 74-78
* - simmed

Phil Mariner and the Owls end November with a 2-3 record. It's not the start they wanted but it's probably one they'll take as they try and develop a new identity for this years team.

Mariner went with the following line up the entirety of November:
PG. J. Moss FR
SG. N. Mattone SR
SF. R. Daugherty JR
PF. #12 JR
C. T. Long FR
6 - SG. R. Mims FR
7. SG. J. Pollock SR
8. PF. T. Jacobs SO
9. PF. #30 JR
10. PG. Z. Berry JR

Freshman Tre Long has had the biggest impact thus far. The 6'10" center is scoring 13.6 ppg and grabbing 7.0 boards a game, and he had 17 in his debut. He's been most vital in the pick-n-roll, but he's also shown flashes in the paint with his back to the basket. He's been a terror on defense forcing 1.4 steals a game to go along with 1 block a game. Its early, only 5 games into his young collegiate career, but Long has quickly come on as one the Owls most important players.

Junior SF Ryan Daugherty so far has made a jump from last year. He's scoring 3 more points a game (10.4) and also grabbing 3 more rebounds (6.20 this year. As he adjusts to the increase in usage and gets used to taking more shots these averages may even go up a point or two. Last year he shot .39% from three point land on 84 attempts. So far he's shooting .27% and he's on pace to shoot for 132 shots from deep. He'll either have to adjust to the increased offensive load or else Mariner might revert him back to more of a secondary option.

The other two three star freshman, PG Jeffrey Moss and SG Regis Mims, are still finding their way in the college game. Moss exploded in his second game, reeling off 8 points and 8 assists, but he's still finding role within the team. Mims is also adjusting to the next level of basketball. He's making use of his limited time on the floor, as he's been the team's leading bench player. The Owls aren't asking these two to do a whole lot in their first year, and it's probably going to be beneficial in the long run.

As a whole, the Owls are where they need to be but the road ahead is about to get bumpy. Road games against Georgia and South Florida await and then they open up the Hawaiian Island Classic against #17 LSU. After the tournament they close December against a strong Davidson team. The Owls are more than likely going to be underdogs in every single one of their games in the next month, so it's important Mariner can keep the the team's spirits up entering conference play in January.

December Schedule
06. 12/02/08 - vs Tulane*
07. 12/06/08 - @ Georgia
08. 12/13/08 - @ South Florida*
09. 12/17/08 - vs #14 LSU
10. 12/28/08 - vs Davidson
* - will be simmed

Atlantic Sun Standings
01. Campbell 4-1
02. Stetson 3-3
03. Gardner-Webb 4-4
04. E. Tennessee State 3-4
05. Kennesaw State 2-3
06. Belmont 3-5
07. SC Upstate 2-5
08. Lipbscomb 2-6
09. Jacksonville 1-3
10. Mercer 2-7
11. North Florida 1-5
12. Florida Gulf Coast 1-6

Top 25
01. Memphis 5-0
02. Texas 6-0
03. Indiana 7-0
04. Michigan State 8-1
05. Connecticut 4-1
06. Washington 5-0
07. North Carolina 5-1
08. Providence 7-0
09. UCLA 6-0
10. Kentucky 8-0
11. Louisville 5-2
12. Duke 5-2
13. Tennessee 7-1
14. Auburn 8-0
15. Baylor 5-0
16. NC State 5-1
17. LSU 4-1
18. Georgetown 7-1
19. Syracuse 4-3
20. Texas A&M 6-1
21. USC 6-1
22. Rhode Island 5-1
23. Notre Dame 5-1
24. Arizona 6-1
25. Stanford 4-2

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

2008-09 REGULAR SEASON RECAP

Kennesaw State Owls 12-16 (8-8)

Phil Mariner and the Owls have officially completed the 2008-09 season, earning the 8th seed in the process. It was an up-and-down season to say the least. The team relied heavily on Tre Long down the stretch, and the young center did an acceptable job of handling the load. He finished the season averaging 11.5 ppg and 6.6 rpg; however, he had several big performances in which he scored 30+ points in. Tre Long will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of this team moving forward.

The other two freshman, PG Jeffrey Moss and SG Regis Mims, showed potential as the season drew to an end. Moss scored 6.1 ppg and dished out 5.5 apg. He showed a great ability to play at just the right pace and had tremendous chemistry with Tre Long. Mims will probably be more of a project than initially anticipated. He's a solid player who just needs more time on the floor.

And Mims will get just that with starting SG Nick Mattone and SG J.D. Pollock both exhausting their eligibility. Mattone has been a vital part of the Owls offense, scoring 9.4 ppg and he's the best outside shooter on the team by far. Pollock was used as a high level energy guy off the bench, but he played his role well scoring 4.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, and 0.8 spg in just 12 minutes of action.

The Owls 8-8 conference record has earned them the 8th seed in the Atlantic Sun conference tournament. There they will face the terror that has been the Belmont Bruins 22-7 (15-1). The Bruins are ranked #12 in the Mid Major Poll and led by the trio of SG #20 (18.9 ppg & 1.5 spg), SF #2 (11.1 ppg & 7.9 rpg), and PF #3 (10.6 ppg & 6.3 rpg). #20 and #2 are seniors while #3 is a junior. All in all, the Belmont starts 4 seniors and 1 junior (the center). They are an experienced group and the Owls will have to play their best ball of the season if they hope to win.

------------------------------

******I know I'm kinda speeding through this - I'm ready to get to a mid major school and then will look to get more detailed******

[R1zzo23]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

When starting at a very small school like you did, it's always fun to bring in your own players, especially when they end up being far and away better than the players you inherited. Hopefully Long, Moss and Mims will continue to grow and bring you guys to the top of the conference soon so you can parlay that into a new coaching position at a larger school!

Good luck with Belmont! There is no scarier trio than SG #20, SF #2 and PF #3!

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

When starting at a very small school like you did, it's always fun to bring in your own players, especially when they end up being far and away better than the players you inherited. Hopefully Long, Moss and Mims will continue to grow and bring you guys to the top of the conference soon so you can parlay that into a new coaching position at a larger school!

Good luck with Belmont! There is no scarier trio than SG #20, SF #2 and PF #3!

You nailed it. It's hard playing with the team as it starts knowing the guys you recruit in the first couple of years are going to come in and either start or be hard to keep off the court. But these three guys I've initially brought in, especially Moss and Long, have started to grow on me. Who knows I might stick around a little longer than I originally thought.

Haha have you had experience with em? No doubt they are a nasty trio to go up against this early in the legacy.

Thanks for checking in R1zzo

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

So in a huge error I saved over the end of season file. Luckily what was saved was the start of year three. Good news is most of the rotation is either guys I've recruited or guys I've been playing with so it's time to let the Owls fly.

We beat Belmont in the first round and then went on to beat Stetson in the second round. We met Mercer once again in the championship round, and once again we came up short falling 60-59. Darn those Bears. We were ever so close. Somehow enough I got an offer from UL Lafayette but it's too soon to abandon Kennesaw State... onward we go with Phil Mariner...

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

2009-10 SEASON PREVIEW

COACHING HISTORY
Phil Mariner (33-30) - Year 3
2008-09 Kennesaw State 14-17 - Lost in the Atlantic Sun Championship Game
2007-08 Kennesaw State 19-13 - Lost in the Atlantic Sun Championship Game

COACH RATINGS
OVR - C+
OFF - C-
DEF - C-
TEA - C
SCO - C+
CHA - A+
DIS - C-

KENNESAW STATE OWLS
OVR - 74
OFF - 75
DEF - 71
SHT - 78
REB - 80

ROSTER
Point Guards
Jeffrey Moss - 68 ovr - 6'2" 171 lbs - SO
Zach Berry - 60 ovr - 6'2" 185 lbs - RS SR

Shooting Guards
Akili Davis - 68 ovr - 6'5" 214 lbs - FR
Regis Mims - 66 ovr - 6'3" 200 lbs - SO

Small Forwards
Jamie Abellard - 66 ovr - 6'8" 264 lbs - FR
Ryan Daugherty - 65 ovr - 6'5" 213 lbs - RS SR

Power Forwards
PF #12 - 65 ovr - 6'9" 247 lbs - SR
PF #30 - 61 ovr - 6'6" 231 lbs - SR
Tanner Jacobs - 61 ovr - 6'7" 235 lbs - JR

Centers
Dupree Allen - 73 ovr - 6'10" 241 lbs - JR
Tre Long - 67 ovr - 6'10" 245 lbs - SO

PROJECTED LINEUP
PG - J. Moss - SO
SG - A. Davis - FR
SF - R. Daugherty - RS SR
PF - D. Allen - JR
C - T. Long - SO
6. J. Abellard - FR
7. PF #12 - SR
8. R. Mims - SO
9. Z. Berry - RS SR

SEASON OUTLOOK
Phil Mariner will enter his third year with Kennesaw State with his best team yet and it's in large part thanks to his work on the recruiting trail. Mariner has brought in six total players, and they are all three stars to boot. The Owls have come up short in the Atlantic Sun championship game in Mariner's first two years but it looks like he's put together a team ready for a serious run in the conference.

Led by sophomore center Tre Long and the newly acquired Dupree Allen, a JUCO center now in his junior year at Kennesaw State, the Owls will boast a formidable front court. Long was a stand out player in his debut year and Allen looks to be an excellent counterpart.

Jeffrey Moss, sophomore point guard from the Bahamas, will look to build off of a solid freshman year. Moss averaged 6.5 ppg, 5.6 apg, and 1.5 spg. He also displayed a consistent shot from downtown. Moss hit 0.32% of 99 three-point attempts. Backing him up is Zach Berry, a senior walk on who's shown he can run the offense and control the court while Moss is on the bench.

The Owls have some talent, a lot of potential, and a lot more figuring out to do at the wing positions. Ryan Daugherty, the senior of the bunch, will look to hold down his starting spot as sophomore Regis Mims and freshman Akili Davis Jamie Abellard battle for the next spot and the minutes after that. Daugherty has shown streaks of being the number one option offensively and he's had games where he blended in with other players on the court. Mims came in with a lot of hope last year but failed to produce unlike his freshman peers. Akili Davis will initially start at the two spot. He's got a 74 rating from three point land and the Owls could use some out side scoring with their two centers clogging the paint.

And then there is Jamie Abellard, the wildcard of the group. He's a 6'8 264 lbs small forward out of Tampa, FL. He can shoot with the guards but he could also be a great back up down low. He could play either the three or the four, and at stretches he could probably hold his own at the two and the five spot. Depending on how Mariner decides to use the 6'8" freshman, and depending on where Abellard succeeds on the court could determine the team's identity.

Looking ahead to this year, the Owls are set for an Atlantic Sun championship run with this years squad. Kennesaw State has failed to win the conference tournament by a combined eight points in the last two years. That has to sting. You can bet Mariner and his group will look to finish the job this year and get the Owls to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.

[R1zzo23]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

I'll be very intrigued to see how you utilize Jamie Abellard if his skill set is as diverse as you have said it is. That would be quite a weapon to deploy across the lineup.

[the red c]

Re: the red c's Coaching Legacy of Phil Mariner (CH2K8)

Kennesaw State Owls 2009-10 - Week 1 Recap
01. 11/06 - vs IPFW - W 80-69
02. 11/07 - @ #Texas - L 54-62

The Owls opened up their season competing in the Cyclone Challenge. They won their first round game rather easily against IPFW. Tre Long picked up right where he left off from last year. Long had a dominating performance tallying 29 points and pulling in 7 rebounds. But it was Jamie Allebard who might have had the most eye-opening game. The freshman went for 20, 6, and 3 in his debut. He was 9-13 from the field and scored in a variety of ways. It was a solid win for Mariner and Kennesaw State to open up the year.

The Owls would then run into #5 Texas in the championship game and another tough loss. From the tip the Longhorns established their physicality and locked down the paint. PF #5 led the for Texas with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. He was the most dominant player on the court by far, and he's also been the first player to really push Tre Long around. Long had four fouls by the end of the first half and only played for a minute and half in the second half. The Owls were able to keep it close. They never trailed by more then 11 throughout the game, and it's a loss that could end up being beneficial for Mariner and his group down the road.

The Owls are 1-1 and will play three games in the second week of the season: @ UNC Greensboro, @ William & Mary, vs New Mexico State.

Kennesaw State Owls 1-1