WKU Basketball: Hilltoppers Open Campaign Against Alabama State

After a couple of exhibition games, the Hilltoppers are set to open the 2021/22 season against Alabama State.

After a pair of preseason games in which strong second half propelled Western Kentucky to convincing victories, it’s time for the real deal as the Hilltoppers welcome in Alabama State to Diddle Arena to open the season.

Game Info

Time: 7 p.m. CT
Location: E.A. Diddle Arena | Bowling Green, Ky.
TV: ESPN3
Radio: The Hilltopper IMG Sports Network

Last time out, the Hilltoppers were sharp start to finish and Jarius Hamilton had yet another impressive performance in an 88–59 win over Cumberlands.

The Maryland transfer averaged 20.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in the exhibition season and looks to be a nice addition to a lineup that already includes Josh Anderson, who is in line to become WKU’s first ever five-year letterwinner, and Dayvion McKnight who is looking to avoid a sophomore slump after impressing his freshman year (5.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 29 games).

Alabama State won its lone exhibition, a 72–47 win over Mobile last Thursday, and will be well battle tested in the non-conference slate, going to WKU, Vanderbilt, Missouri State, Iowa State and Iowa.

The Hornets return 48% of its scoring from last year, led by Second Team All-SWAC player Kenny Strawbridge (10.5 ppg).

It’s the first of a season-opening back-to-back for ASU while the Hilltoppers won’t play again until Friday.

The opening 40 minutes of a basketball game are always exciting, especially when this is the first opportunity many of us will have to check out the Tops.

Projected Lineups

WKU

Jarius Hamilton
Dayvion McKnight
Josh Anderson
Luke Frampton
Jaylen Butz

Alabama State

Trace Young
Jordan O’Neal
Gerald Liddell
Kenny Strawbridge
E.J. Clark