WKU Basketball: WKU Guts Out Tough Road Win Over UAB 73–67
Ater losing a ton of momentum during their last two games, WKU basketball got back on track, grinding out a tough road win over UAB, 73–67,
After losing a ton of momentum during their last two games, WKU basketball got back on track, grinding out a tough road win over UAB, 73–67, at Bartow Arena on Thursday night.
WKU came out sloppy again, falling behind 6–0 and forcing a quick timeout by Rick Stansbury. The Blazers jumped to a 9–2 advantage before WKU crept back into the game.
The Hilltoppers tied the game at 11–11 on a three-pointer from Jared Savage but UAB launched a 7–2 run before Lamonte Bearden cut the lead back to two on a three-pointer at the 12-minute television timeout.
WKU fought back to tie the game at 20–20 on a Josh Anderson layup but, once again, allowed another Blazer run, this of seven straight points before Bassey logged an and-one. UAB continued to control the game as WKU turned in a sloppy and unfocused first half.
Western emerged from the last TV timeout of the opening 20 minutes and took their first lead of the game at 31–30 on a Jared Savage three-pointer.
Like clockwork, WKU lost focus and allowed UAB to take all the momentum into the locker room. The Blazers went on a 6–0 run to take a 36–31 lead at the half.
The Tops came out of the locker room noticeably more aggressive, making it a point to attack the basket and feed Charles Bassey. The Tops took four trips to the free throw line in the first four minutes of the half, cutting the Blazer lead to one.
UAB once again ripped a run to build their lead back up to seven before WKU once again widdled the lead down to two. WKU’s aggressiveness paid off as they were in the bonus with 12 minutes left in the half.
The worm would turn with around six minutes to play; WKU continued to attack the lane and draw fouls and finally started to get stops on defense. The Tops extended their lead to three points and led by one at the four-minute time out.
Both teams traded baskets down the stretch before Bassey began to impose his will, making a basket and getting to the line, making both free throws to extend WKU’s lead to five with 1:50 remaining.
UAB cut the lead to three on a WKU goaltend and then cut it to two on a free throw from Tavin Lovan with 34.8 left.
Jared Savage hit a clutch free throw and then after a stop, Josh Anderson hit another to extend WKU’s lead to four with 17 seconds left and the Tops hit a few more free throws and cruise to a 73–67 win on the road.
Here are a few postgame thoughts from a crucial road victory
Jared Savage wasn’t spectacular but he finally hit a few shots tonight. Though he finished just 3–9 from the field, he did make a few clutch shots and made his free throws to finish with 12 points and seven rebounds. That kind of efforts gives WKU some margin for error
Charles Bassey wasn’t efficient (6–13 from the field) but he was his steady self. Bassey led WKU with 18 points and 13 rebounds, making all six of his free throws. We all need to continue to appreciate all that he does because I don’t think he’s coming back next year.
WKU lost the turnover battle 12–10 but did a better than usual job of taking care of the ball. WKU doesn’t need extremely low turnover numbers to be successful, they just need to stop having 15+ turnover nights. That number continues to be the bellwether for this team
After shooting 27 three-pointers the first time against UAB, the Tops learned their lesson and only shot 18 on the game (shooting 33%). Playing within themselves and attacking the basket are keys on offense
WKU outshot the Blazers 29–13 at the foul line. Drawing fouls and getting to the line is Stansbury basketball.
Tolu Smith gave WKU some real quality minutes in this one. Though he only finished with four points and two rebounds, he played with hustle and made some great low post moves on his two baskets. More of that, please.
This team still lacks a killer instinct most of the time. UAB out hustled WKU most of the game and the Tops repeatedly allowed momentum-killing baskets when they cut the lead to two or tied. If WKU finally wants to take the next step they’ll need to learn to put teams away.
Taveion Hollingworth’s late-season surge is now at two games. After a quiet first half, Taveion took over scoring 17 points, grabbing four rebounds while dishing out three assists. Glad to see him coming out of his funk.
UAB’s atmosphere was awful. Bartow Arena was quiet and looked sparsely attended despite still being alive for the conference title. For as much grief as the WKU fan base gets, Tops fans can at least have pride in the community embracing the basketball team despite the fact the school is 10 times smaller than UAB
Tonight’s win was huge for WKU’s chances at securing a top seed in the C-USA tournament. They now stand at 1–1 in bonus play and get to travel home for the next two games. If they split those, a top-four seed is all but secured.
WKU (17–12) continues bonus pod play on Sunday at 2 p.m. CT time as they host the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi (17–10). A win there and WKU might finally be back on the right track heading towards Frisco.
Here are your final stats from tonight’s critical win over the Blazers
