News Summary
On a chilly evening, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defeated the Seattle Redhawks 86-73, marking their fifth consecutive win. Senior guard Don McHenry led the team with 28 points, while freshman Thedford contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Hilltoppers showcased resilience and teamwork, completing the matchup with an impressive 59.2% shooting percentage. With a season record of 8-3, WKU looks ahead to their next game against Kentucky Wesleyan.
Bowling Green, KY: WKU Men’s Basketball Rides High on Fifth Straight Victory!
On a chilly Tuesday evening, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers heated things up on the basketball court, securing an impressive 86-73 victory against the Seattle Redhawks at the famed E.A. Diddle Arena. With this win, the Hilltoppers celebrated their fifth consecutive triumph, much to the delight of the home crowd, who made their presence felt with a spirited atmosphere throughout the game.
A Night to Remember for Don McHenry
Leading the charge for WKU was none other than senior guard Don McHenry, who showcased his scoring prowess with an incredible 28 points. McHenry was nothing short of sensational, particularly in the second half where he racked up an astonishing 19 points. His ability to perform under pressure played a pivotal role in bringing home the win.
Freshman guard Thedford also made a significant impact, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds, proving once again that the future is bright for the Hilltoppers. Veteran guard Braxton Bayless chipped in with 13 points and led the team in rebounds, securing an impressive eight boards. Meanwhile, senior guard Enoch Kalambay held his own with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, demonstrating his all-around game.
Addressing the Injuries
It’s important to note that the Hilltoppers entered the game without two key players: senior forward Babacar Faye (nursing a knee injury) and graduate guard Khristian Lander (recovering from an ankle injury) from a previous matchup. Despite these setbacks, Head Coach Hank Plona rallied his squad and utilized eight players, showcasing a team dynamic that was both cohesive and resilient.
The Game Unfolds
The game didn’t start in favor of the Hilltoppers, as the Redhawks surged ahead with an 8-3 lead. Undeterred, WKU responded with a commanding 14-4 run, reclaiming the momentum to go up 17-12. As the game progressed, the Hilltoppers extended their lead to 36-22 thanks to a timely three-pointer from Tyrone Marshall Jr..
However, Seattle tightened the screws, managing to cut WKU’s lead to 38-32 by halftime, primarily capitalizing on offensive rebounds that yielded 11 second-chance points. The Redhawks’ grit made it clear that this was far from a done deal.
Second Half Surge
As the second half kicked off, Seattle pulled within striking distance at 48-46, but McHenry’s offensive explosion quickly reestablished WKU’s lead. With sheer determination, the Hilltoppers scored 10 consecutive points late in the game, effectively sealing the win after Seattle had narrowed the score to 76-70.
Impressive Shooting Stats
WKU displayed exceptional shooting form, finishing the game with a remarkable 59.2% shooting percentage, which included a sizzling 12-for-20 from three-point range. Such performance can put a smile on any fan’s face and reminds them of the power and excitement of college basketball.
Looking Ahead
The victory improved WKU’s season record to 8-3, making the next matchup highly anticipated. The Hilltoppers are set to host Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday, December 21, 2024. With the team riding high on confidence and a winning streak, Bowling Green has every reason to be excited about what lies ahead on the basketball court.
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News
- WKU Herald
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Men’s Basketball
- Google Search: WKU Men’s Basketball
