WKU Basketball: Tops Regain Momentum Ahead of Trip to Frisco with 91–85 Win over FIU
WKU Basketball regained some momentum and clinched the #2 seed in the Conference USA tournament as they handled FIU in a 91–85 shootout.
WKU Basketball regained some momentum and clinched the #2 seed in the Conference USA tournament as they handled FIU in a 91–85 shootout.
Both teams were red hot in the first half as WKU shot 65.5% and FIU 50% as they went back and forth to a 47 point draw through the first 20 minutes.
WKU pulled away in the second half as FIU struggled to keep pace. All six of the Hilltoppers regular rotation players hit double figures as they cruised to a 91–85 victory.
WKU moved to 20–10 (13–5) on the season clinching a #2 seed in the Conference USA tournament in Frisco.
Here are some quick thoughts on tonight’s bounce-back win:
Taveion Hollingworth was efficient (8–13 shooting) as he finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He continues to set himself up for a strong finish to the season.
WKU actually lost the free-throw margin attempt wise (21–20) but they made FIU pay at the line making 18 of those attempts (90%) to just 16 for FIU. It was good to see WKU get back to their bread and butter after the UNT game.
Jordan Rawls had his best game in a while scoring 14 points, grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing 2 assists, he needs to stay productive if WKU wants to reach their potential next week.
Cam Justice also woke up tonight in a game that perfectly matched his skill set. He was aggressive and responded with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist. What a difference a week makes for both him and Rawls.
Despite FIU having Osaghae’s massive size advantage, the Hilltoppers outrebounded 38–32. When they rebound like that the team has a much larger margin for error.
WKU reverted back to their previous turnover problems losing the battle 9–16, the rebounding margin canceled that out.
Carson Williams closed out the regular season with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, he came to play against the much taller Panthers. He’s a grinder and tonight’s performance was the latest example of his low key stellar play
WKU will start their Conference USA tournament journey on Thursday against the winner of UAB and UTSA.
It’s great to see them regain momentum, let’s hope this carries over to next week. Like it or not the whole season comes down to three days in Frisco. Time to break the 6-year drought.
Here are your final stats from WKU’s 20th win of the season:
