WKU Basketball: Tops Hold Off Rice, 68–61

In what turned out to be a close game, the Hilltoppers were able to hold off the Rice Owls in a fairly close contest, 68–61.

In what turned out to be a close game, the Hilltoppers were able to hold off the Rice Owls in a fairly close contest, 68–61.

Carson Williams led the Tops with 22 points and 13 rebounds with Cam Justice and Josh Anderson both added 13 points. WKU shot 40% from the court despite a strong showing in the first half and shot 6-of-22 from deep.

Rice shot 8-of-29 from deep for the game but it felt like all of them came in the second half as they cut WKU’s lead they had established and never folded until the last two minutes. Got to give them credit for sticking with their zone defense (that WKU just doesn’t seem to have an answer for) and for staying in this game.

Another thing to note is Taveion Hollingsworth was healthy after being shaken up last game against North Texas and started over the hot as of late freshman Jordan Rawls. They both had six points while Hollingsworth tallied four assists.

Thankfully coach Stansbury is starting to make some adjustments and the more the season progresses he will have to because every team is probably going to throw a solid zone defense at this team and their season could depend on their ability to break it and score.

It wasn’t the best performance by the Tops this season by any means but I’ll take a 2 — 0 start in the conference. WKU now prepare to go on the road to UAB and MTSU for the 100 Miles of Hate next week.

Here’s some final stats: