WKU Basketball: Conference USA Bonus Schedule Announced
Despite a momentum-killing loss to UAB. WKU still finished tied for second in Conference USA heading into bonus play. That put them in the…
2/17 Update:
Conference USA announced the TV assignments and times for the bonus play games:
These are a mixed bag for WKU fans. While I’m glad that two of the games are on Stadium (it’s very easy to watch), I’m very disappointed with the fact that two of the bonus games are on BeIN Sports. I secretly hoped we’d never have to watch that crappy channel again.
Out of the entire bonus game schedule, only one game is on CBS Sports Network. For a system that was made to strengthen schedules to gain excitement and get upper tire matchups before the CUSA tournament, this once again shows how crappy C-USA’s tv deal is.
While the OVC even gets premier games on ESPN 2 (Murray/Austin Peay last Thursday), Conference USA is playing online and with hard to get channels (beIN was just dropped by Direct TV and others).
Good tickets to the UTSA game should be available since WKU’s students will be on spring break during both of their bonus play home games. Like I stated above the number one goal of bonus play is to clinch a top-four seed and regain momentum heading into Frisco.
Despite a momentum-killing loss to UAB, WKU still finished tied for second in Conference USA heading into bonus play, putting the Tops in the top pod with Old Dominion, UTSA, Southern Miss and UAB.
On Saturday night, Conference USA announced the bonus schedule over the next three weeks.
WKU begins bonus play next Saturday when they travel to conference leader Old Dominion for the second time. They’ll then travel to Birmingham to exact revenge against UAB on the following Thursday.
The Tops will then get to host Southern Miss on Sunday, March 3 before closing out bonus play on Wednesday, March 6 against a dangerous UTSA squad.
The ODU game is set for a noon (CT) tip off while the rest of the times and TV assignments will be announced on Sunday, February 17.
WKU should have two goals heading into these last four games:
1.) At least finish in the top four of the pod. If they do that, they will clinch a bye in the Conference USA tournament and will only have to win three games in three days instead of four in four days.
2.) A regular season championship. It is still on the table and they can claim it if they win these last four games. That would give WKU a number one seed in the conference tournament and give them the easiest road to the title game.
WKU’s season comes down to that week in Frisco so regaining momentum and confidence is crucial. It all starts with bonus play. Starting that off with a statement opportunity against ODU. Let’s hope Saturday’s close loss was the wake-up call this group needed to refocus on an all-important stretch run. Rick Stansbury’s eventual return can only help matters in the pursuit for a championship.