"You ought to be proud": Kennesaw fans stand by team despite loss

Kennesaw fans filled with mixed emotions after loss

Students of Kennesaw State filled the convocation center on campus to cheer their team on the big screen. While they didn't win, KSU's storybook season is one students and faculty say they'll never forget.

KENNESAW, Ga. - Despite losing Friday, Kennesaw State University students had the time of their lives watching their team on the big screen from the KSU Convocation Center. KSU’s storybook season was one that students told FOX 5 they will always remember – especially since it ended at March Madness.

"We've never had anything like this at our school," one student said.

"This is the first time we're actually doing something like this," another said. "It's insane."

KSU coach, players stay positive following March Madness loss

It was a sad end to an exciting season as the Kennesaw State University Owls lost to Xavier University 72-67. Despite the loss, both the coach and team had nothing but positive words to share.

Students were loud and proud as they watched their Owls dominate Xavier in the first half. The owls were up with a double-digit lead until the final minutes of the game.

It was a roller coaster of emotions at the KSU watch party.

"How are we up 11 points? How do we lose? It makes no sense," one student said.

Even through the dark cloud of disappointment, fans remembered the silver lining: KSU was the only Georgia school in the men's March Madness tournament this year. They pulled it off a 1-28 season the previous year.

Kennesaw students were loud and proud as they watched their Owls take on Xavier Friday. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

"It's the start of something great, you ought to be proud of Kennesaw State," another student said.

Although the run was short, Owl merchandise has been flying off the shelves.

"This is big history here for KSU, probably the biggest excitement we've seen in the time I've been here in ten years," said Paul Oliphant, the director of KSU Bookstores.