WKU notches first win of the season

BOWLING GREEN — For the first time since winning the 2024 Conference USA Tournament, Western Kentucky returned to the victory column on Tuesday night.

Veteran guard Khristian Lander knocked down five 3-point shots and finished with a game-best 23 points to lead the Hilltoppers past overmatched Campbellsville 104-76 before a sparse gathering in historic E.A. Diddle Arena.

Western, following losses to Wichita State and Grand Canyon, improved to 1-2 heading into Sunday’s 2 p.m. home game against Lipscomb. The Tops improved to 8-0 all time versus NAIA Campbellsville.

“It’s good to get a win,” WKU first-year head coach Hank Plona said. “The first two losses left a tough taste in our mouths and it was good to see us get ourselves on the winning side. Hopefully, we can now build some confidence for what we hope will develop into a special season.

“I’m focused on helping our team improve, and I believe we have improved since the start of the season. We want to be playing our best basketball when it matters most, in February and March.”

Following an up and down first 20 minutes, WKU came to life in the early stages of the second half.

Babacar Faye scored five points in a 13-6 run that pushed Western in front 62-38 when Tyrone Marshall made a short jumper at 15:46.

The Tigers, however, refused to fold.

Campbellsville drained four 3-pointers — including a pair from Ra Briggs — in a torrid 17-3 burst that pulled the visitors within 65-55 with just over 11 minutes to play.

The Hilltoppers responded in kind — getting a pair of 3-pointers from freshman guard Julius Thedford in a 13-0 run that re-established control for WKU.

“Julius is wired differently — I think his upside is through the roof,” Plona said. “He doesn’t lack for confidence and he’s a very intelligent player who never makes the same mistake twice. He’s going to be a very important part of our team for a long time to come.”

The Tigers (4-2) never drew closer than 18 points the rest of the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/wku-notches-first-win-season-045900439.html

Author : Messenger-Inquirer, Owensboro, Ky.

Publish date : 2024-11-14 04:59:00

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