In a bid to cap off the non-conference competition for the 2023-24 regular season on a high note, WKU Hilltopper Basketball is set to host Abilene Christian at E.A. Diddle Arena on Saturday, Dec. 30. With an impressive 10-3 overall record and riding a six-game winning streak, the Hilltoppers aim to extend their success after a hard-fought 73-70 road victory over California Baptist on Dec. 19.
This season’s 10-3 record marks the best 13-game start for the Hilltoppers since the 2004-05 season. A win against Abilene Christian on Saturday would elevate the Tops’ win total to 11, setting a new benchmark for the best start through 14 games since the 2001-02 season.
Here are the key details for the upcoming matchup:
- Matchup: WKU (10-3) vs. Abilene Christian (5-7)
- Date and Time: Saturday, Dec. 30 | 2 p.m. CT
- Location: E.A. Diddle Arena | Bowling Green, Ky.
- How to Watch: ESPN+
- Listening Options: 100.7-FM (WKLX)/Varsity Network
- Live Stats: Available online
- Tickets: Available for purchase
Reflecting on the ongoing 2023-24 campaign, WKU’s road victory against Cal Baptist propelled them to a tie for first place in the Conference USA standings. Notably, the matchup with Cal Baptist on Dec. 19 marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Leading the charge for the Hilltoppers is junior guard Don McHenry, who boasts an impressive scoring average of 15.1 points per game. McHenry has not only displayed scoring prowess but also leads the team in total assists with 34 and maintains a team-high 3-point field goal percentage of .385%. His free-throw accuracy, shooting .872% from the charity stripe, places him among the team’s top performers.
McHenry’s standout performances include a career-high 30 points against Wright State and a crucial 16-point contribution in a close 65-64 win over Austin Peay, earning him the prestigious CUSA Player of the Week honors on Dec. 18.
As a team, the Hilltoppers are making a mark in various aspects of the game. They currently sit tied for first place in the CUSA and boast the top-scoring offense in the conference, averaging nearly 80 points per game. Impressively, WKU has reached the 80-point mark in six games and the 90-point mark in four games this season.
Defensively, the Hilltoppers excel in three-point percentage defense, ranking 10th in the nation with opponents limited to a 26.5% mark from beyond the arc. Their prowess extends to rebounding, where WKU leads the CUSA and ranks 24th nationally with an average of 41.7 rebounds per game.
The game against Abilene Christian holds historical significance as it marks the third-ever meeting between the two teams and the first since Dec. 14, 1965. The Hilltoppers hold a perfect 2-0 record against the Wildcats, with victories in 1960 and 1965.
Hilltopper fans can catch the action live on ESPN+, with Jeff Hem and Jay Walton providing commentary. For those tuning in on radio, Hal Schmitt and Randy Lee will call the game on 100.7-FM (WKLX) or The Varsity Network mobile app. As the Hilltoppers aim to cap off the non-conference segment with another triumph, the matchup against Abilene Christian promises to be a thrilling encounter.
