Don McHenry is used to torching the nets for Western Kentucky’s basketball team, but the junior guard took it to another level Tuesday night.
McHenry erupted for a career-high 30 points to lift the surging Hilltoppers past Wright State 91-84 on the road. His latest scoring outburst boosted WKU to 8-3 as it rides a four-game winning streak into the holidays.
A Milwaukee native, McHenry has emerged as the Hilltoppers’ undisputed offensive leader this season. He’s reached double figures in nine contests already while leading the team outright on six occasions.
McHenry is averaging 15.1 points overall – a team-best – thanks to sizzling performances like he had against the Raiders. The 6-foot-7 wing simply couldn’t be stopped en route to 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting.
“When Don gets in a rhythm like that, we’re awfully tough to defend,” WKU coach Rick Stansbury said. “He’s always had potential, but he’s really hitting his stride offensively which raises our ceiling.”
Tyrone Marshall Jr. offered a productive co-star role with 20 points and seven boards of his own. Kentucky transfer Khristian Lander chipped in 15 points as well, helping WKU shoot 54% from the field and overcome a 43-40 halftime deficit.
Stansbury’s group rattled off a 51-41 second half, locking down defensively while forcing the Raiders into zero fast break points. The Hilltoppers also dominated on the break with 24 points of their own to maintain control down the stretch.
After some early season growing pains, Western Kentucky seems to have hit its groove. And if McHenry keeps filling it up offensively, the Tops should keep climbing the ranks during their non-conference slate.
WKU returns home Saturday to face Austin Peay at 2 p.m. inside E.A. Diddle Arena.
