WKU Basketball: Hilltoppers Surge, Sputter, Surge Again in 83-
Western Kentucky opened their stint in the Myrtle Beach Invitational with an 83–71 win over Valparaiso on Thursday afternoon.
Western Kentucky opened their stint in the Myrtle Beach Invitational with an 83–71 win over Valparaiso on Thursday afternoon.
WKU fought off a streaky start to the game, allowing Valpo to hold an early lead but the Tops took things into their own hands just past the halfway point of the half and turned on the jets to close out the final 20 minutes, holding a 13-point lead at one point at 49–36 and held a 49–39 lead at the halftime break.
The Tops struggled to play as consistently well in the second half, allowing Valpo within 58–55 with about 13 minutes left in the first half but the Crusaders were never able to take full advantage of the Tops’ miscues; if WKU turned the ball over, Valpo would either miss a shot on the other end or turn it over right back.
WKU ended the game hot, scoring five of their last six shots to cruise to their second win of the season.
When the Tops were on, though, they were really on, especially in the first half when WKU showed off just how athletic they are.
I’ll let the tape speak for itself.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Hilltoppers struggles were, by and large, due to the lack of a true point guard to put it bluntly. Josh Anderson has experience over Dalano Banton, but isn’t anywhere near as decisive or confident. Banton has that, but lacks experience and isn’t great on offense.
Overall, it’s a good win for the Tops who now await the winner between West Virginia and Monmouth. That game will be played at 8 p.m. CT and will be, again, on ESPNU.
Some player notes/observations.
Josh Anderson was really impressive in the first half, not only making plays on defense — there was another in which he literally ripped an alley oop out of the air for a turnover — but he was a force to be reckoned with, especially at the rim (which is where is game is best).
Jared Savage continues to show how lights out he can be from deep, going 5-for-9 from three point range and led all scorers with 25 points.
Taveion Hollingsworth was also strong offensively, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds. He continues to ball out and part of me still can’t believe he’s a Hilltopper.
Charles Bassey seemed uneasy for most of the night and I think the leg brace is getting to him. The ESPNU broadcast noted he warmed up without it so hopefully that means we’ll see him in game time without it.
Desean Murray had a strong game, especially down low, finishing with 11 points.
As a team, the Hilltoppers shot 50.9% from the floor and 52.9% from deep.
Final Stats
