Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Shine in Victory Over Campbellsville
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers celebrated a much-needed win on Tuesday night, marking their return to the winning column for the first time since clinching the 2024 Conference USA Tournament. With a thrilling score of 104-76 against Campbellsville, the Hilltoppers showcased their skills and determination in front of a modest crowd at the iconic E.A. Diddle Arena.
A Winning Feeling
After facing setbacks against Wichita State and Grand Canyon, the Hilltoppers entered this game eager to turn things around. Veteran guard Khristian Lander took charge, delivering an impressive performance with 23 points, which included five 3-pointers. Coach Hank Plona, in his first year with the team, expressed his relief and excitement, stating, “It’s good to get a win. The first two losses left a tough taste in our mouths, and it was great to see us on the winning side again.” The victory improved WKU’s record to 1-2, with their next challenge coming this Sunday at 2 p.m. against Lipscomb.
Strong Start, Resilient Opponent
The game started with Campbellsville keeping pace with the Hilltoppers for the first few minutes. However, as the first half progressed, Western Kentucky began to gain momentum, finishing the first 20 minutes with a 47-32 lead. Lander was on fire, contributing 16 points in the first half. He remarked, “The shots were just falling for me tonight. My coaches and teammates have confidence in me to make shots like that.”
Second Half Surge
The action heated up in the second half, especially when Babacar Faye kicked off a 13-6 run, pushing the score to 62-38. But the Tigers weren’t about to back down easily. They fought back, scoring four 3-pointers in a quick 17-3 run, cutting the deficit to 65-55 with just over 11 minutes remaining. It was a tight moment, but the Hilltoppers quickly regained control, thanks to freshman Julius Thedford who confidently buried a pair of 3-pointers during a decisive 13-0 run.
Key Players Stand Out
Thedford’s contributions did not go unnoticed by Coach Plona, who praised him saying, “Julius is wired differently — I think his upside is through the roof.” The coach emphasized the importance of Thedford’s intelligence on the court, highlighting how he learns quickly and makes smart plays. As the homestretch of the game approached, Campbellsville found themselves trailing by 18 points and could not recover.
Finishing Strong
The final moments of the game brought even more joy for Hilltopper fans. Senior guard Tyler “Fluff” Olden, who is popular among supporters, sealed the victory with a majestic 3-pointer on the last possession, contributing to the final score of 104-76. Overall, the Hilltoppers displayed remarkable teamwork and resilience, shooting 51% from the field, hitting 16 of 32 three-point attempts while forcing 17 turnovers from Campbellsville.
Looking Ahead
As the Hilltoppers turn their focus to their next game, they can take solace in knowing they remain undefeated against Campbellsville, now standing at 8-0 in all-time matchups. They’ll look to carry this momentum into upcoming challenges, as they aim to build confidence and perform their best when it truly counts during the later months of the season.
This win marks a critical juncture for Western Kentucky as they strive for a memorable season. With strong performances from key players and the collective effort of the entire team, fans are hopeful that this victorious night is just the beginning of many more to come.
