The Western Kentucky University men’s basketball team concluded its participation in the Northern Classic with a 77-67 loss to UNC Asheville on Sunday afternoon at Place Bell Arena. Jalen Jackson, a fifth-year transfer from Texas A&M Corpus-Christi, led the Hilltoppers with 14 points in his first start of the season.
Jackson, who had missed time due to injury to begin the campaign, provided a much-needed boost for WKU on both ends of the floor. Rodney Howard and Tyrone Marshall Jr. each contributed 12 points, while Don McHenry extended his streak of double-digit scoring performances to five with 10 points.
Howard, who shot a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, also grabbed six rebounds, while Marshall Jr. added five boards and two steals. Babacar Faye paced the Hilltoppers with seven rebounds and chipped in eight points.
Quebec native Enoch Kalambay contributed five rebounds and four points to the WKU cause.
The Hilltoppers led 38-31 at halftime, shooting an impressive 60.0% (15-of-25) from the field in the opening half. The teams traded leads throughout the second half until the five-minute mark, when the Bulldogs seized control of the game.
UNC Asheville outscored WKU 15-6 in the final five minutes of regulation to secure the victory. The Bulldogs outscored the Hilltoppers 46-29 in the second half to claim the win.
The loss drops WKU’s record to 4-3 on the season.
The Hilltoppers return home next week to host Campbellsville on Wednesday, November 29 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Game Notes
- WKU shot 50.0% (23-of-46) from the field for the game.
- UNC Asheville shot 45.5% (25-of-55) from the field.
- The Bulldogs outrebounded the Hilltoppers 34-31.
- WKU committed 19 turnovers, while UNC Asheville had 16 turnovers.
