The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, holding the No. 4 seed in the Conference USA tournament, are on the cusp of achieving a long-held goal: their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1991. To secure this coveted ticket, they must overcome the No. 6-seeded Kennesaw State Owls in a pivotal showdown scheduled for Saturday night in Huntsville, Alabama.
Navigating the Path to the NCAA Tournament
Both teams have navigated challenging paths to reach this championship game. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, with a 20-13 record, demonstrated resilience in their semifinal clash against Missouri State. They managed to fend off the No. 9 seed’s upset bid, ultimately prevailing with a hard-fought 69-66 victory. Key performances in that game included AJ Bates, who poured in 27 points and dished out six assists, and DJ Dudley, who contributed 10 points. Avery Thomas II was a force on the boards and defensively, grabbing 12 rebounds and recording three steals. Missouri State, it’s worth noting, had previously stunned the top-seeded Liberty in the quarterfinals, highlighting the competitive nature of this tournament.
On the other side, the Kennesaw State Owls also showcased their mettle with a strong second-half performance against the No. 2 seed, Sam Houston. The Owls emerged victorious with a 79-73 win, powered by an impressive offensive display. Amir Taylor led the charge with 23 points, while RJ Johnson added 20 points and six assists. Frankquon Sherman was also instrumental, contributing 17 points and seven rebounds. The game’s momentum shifted decisively when Trey Simpson connected on a crucial three-pointer with just 3:24 remaining, giving the Owls the lead for good and allowing them to withstand Sam Houston’s final push.
Season Series and Key Player Matchups
The regular season series between Louisiana Tech and Kennesaw State offered a glimpse into their competitive balance, with each team defending its home court successfully. Louisiana Tech secured a 82-76 victory on January 23rd, while Kennesaw State retaliated with a narrow 58-55 win on February 21st. This split suggests that Saturday’s championship game could be another close contest.
When assessing the Bulldogs’ offensive firepower, DJ Dudley stands out as their leading scorer, averaging 14.0 points per game. AJ Bates has been a consistent contributor, averaging 12.2 points and 5.9 assists per outing. Kaden Cooper has been the team’s anchor in the paint, pulling down an impressive 7.6 rebounds per game.
For the Kennesaw State Owls, RJ Johnson paces the offense with an average of 14.4 points per game. Braedan Lue provides valuable scoring support, averaging 11.5 points, while Frankquon Sherman has been a dual threat, averaging 10.3 points and a team-leading 8.6 rebounds per game.
How to Watch the Championship Game
College basketball enthusiasts are in for a treat with this championship matchup. Here are the details to catch all the action live:
- When: Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
For those who prefer to stream the game, Fubo offers a convenient option.
Streaming the Game with Fubo
Fubo provides comprehensive coverage of college basketball throughout the March Madness season. Subscribers can enjoy a wide array of games featuring top teams from various conferences. The platform offers live streaming of both men’s and women’s basketball on prominent channels, including ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, FS1, and ESPN+.
To catch the Kennesaw State vs. Louisiana Tech championship game, consider starting a free trial with Fubo.
This is a must-watch college basketball event, promising an exciting conclusion to the Conference USA tournament. The stakes are high, with a trip to the NCAA tournament on the line for both the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Kennesaw State Owls.
