WKU Basketball: Tops Gut Out Road Victory Over UTEP 67–62
WKU Basketball hit the road and traveled 1360 Miles to take on a talented but underachieving UTEP squad. They led most of the way and held…
WKU Basketball hit the road and traveled 1360 Miles to take on a talented but underachieving UTEP squad. They led most of the way and held on for a crucial 67–62 road victory.
The Hilltoppers sprinted out to an 18–9 lead in the first eight minutes. The Tops shot a blistering 57.1% in the first 11 minutes, extending their lead 13 points.
WKU went go ice cold over the last 4 minutes of the half as the 13 point lead evaporated down to one as the Miners got going in transition and WKU continually turned the ball over. Taveion Hollingsworth drew a late foul to stop the bleeding, he nailed both free throws to give WKU a 32–29 lead at the break.
The Miners immediately took charge in the second half as they went on a 6–0 run. WKU would respond and retake the lead at 36–35 as Cam Justice scored 4 straight points.
The Hilltoppers would extend that lead to six but the Miners would hang around keeping it between three and six over the next 8 minutes. Jared Savage would give the Hilltoppers some breathing room as he drained his second three to extend the lead to 50–43 with 7:44 remaining.
Foul trouble reared its ugly head as 4 key players (Savage, Williams, Anderson, and Hollingsworth) had three fouls with 7 minutes left to play. Free throws would help the Miners cut the lead again and WKU was in one point dogfight around the six-minute mark.
Each team traded baskets and the Hilltoppers would cling to a 57–55 lead with 3:34 remaining. Jordan Rawls would drain a big three-pointer with 2:40 remaining to extend the lead to 4.
After UTEP would miss a three to tie the game, Jordan Rawls ran down the court on the fast break and found Taveion Hollingsworth on a layup that he got fouled on and WKU led by six with 1:12 remaining.
After another UTEP basket, Hollingsworth would clinch the win with a key jumper as the shot clock expired with 31 seconds remaining. WKU hit a few more free throws and survived with a 67–62 Victory moving to 17–8 and 10–3 in Conference USA.
Here are some thoughts on tonight’s crucial road victory.
Cam Justice got the start for the sick Josh Anderson but both would play. Justice continued his recent streak of solid play finishing with 11 points, 3 steals and 2 rebounds. His ability to create offense gives the team another option when others are having off nights.
Anderson’s sickness caused him to struggle (especially offensively) but he still found ways to contribute finishing with 6 rebounds and an assist while battling foul trouble.
Taveion Hollingsworth was the player of the game, finishing with 18 points, 6 rebounds and an assist (despite 4 turnovers). He took over down the stretch for WKU and its great to see that Stansbury continues to trust him as the finisher for this team. After a few off games, it was good to see him back to the player he was in January.
Despite being vastly undersized WKU actually won the rebounding battle 37–34 on the night. When that disadvantage is negated WKU usually wins comfortably.
Turnovers negated that advantage as WKU lost 14–13 in that department. UTEP used the turnovers to start the fast break and keep themselves in the game against the fatigued and foul troubled Tops tonight. Not great to see but still beats the 18+ turnovers we witnessed earlier in the season.
WKU didn’t rack up a massive free throw differential (usually don’t on the road) but still took advantage of their bread and butter identity. They made 14 free throws to just 8 for UTEP.
Carson Williams struggled to finish against the taller Miners but still finished with 13 points including making all five of his free throw attempts. Certain teams aren’t great matchups for him but he still produces night in and night out.
Jared Savage was great as well. He led WKU again with 9 rebounds and hit four three-pointers. He probably has been the most consistent player since Bassey’s injury.
Jordan Rawls had another quiet night (7 points, 3 assists and 3 turnovers) but continues to show flashes of brilliance. When he builds a little more consistency this team will take another leap forward.
UTEP’s Bryson Williams averages 18.7 points per game but was held to just 13 points on 15 shots. It was great seeing WKU slow down such a talented player especially given their height deficiencies.
Isiah Cozart played well in limited minutes off the bench. He made his first basket in a month and also grabbed 2 rebounds. He continues to play solidly when he spells Carson Williams midway through each half.
North Texas beat Charlotte tonight to hold on to their one-game lead with one final game to play before bonus play starts. They’ll have to beat an Old Dominion team that is still alive for pod 1 if everything breaks right on Saturday to keep that 1 slot.
WKU clinched at least a 2 seed heading into bonus play. There have been some frustrating moments this year but the fact that we’re sitting in this position is something to be appreciated. Here are your CUSA Standings after tonight’s action.
WKU returns to action Saturday at 2 PM Central as they travel to another talented but underachieving Texas school in UTSA. We all know that Jackson and Wallace will score it just depends on how the Tops contain the rest of the team. Finishing the road swing 2–0 would be a major statement for the Hilltoppers heading into bonus play. Let’s hope they take that next step.
Here are your final stats from tonight’s gutsy road victory
