The WKU Hilltoppers held off a determined Eastern Kentucky squad on Sunday afternoon, winning 79-69 in E.A. Diddle Arena. The victory marks WKU’s sixth of the season and their fifth straight over their in-state rivals.
A stifling Hilltopper defense proved to be the difference in the second half, limiting the Colonels to just 26 points while forcing 12 turnovers. WKU capitalized on these miscues, converting them into 17 points on the other end.
“The fans gave us a huge boost and advantage in the second half when we needed it most,” said Head Coach Steve Lutz. “That’s what makes college basketball and a place like Western Kentucky so special – we have a great fan base and people that really care.”
Balanced scoring was the key for WKU, with five players reaching double figures. Brandon Newman led the way with 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his all-around talent.
The game was tight throughout the first half, with Eastern Kentucky holding a 43-36 lead at the break. McHenry kept the Hilltoppers close, scoring 16 points in the opening period.
The second half saw a different WKU team emerge. They turned up the defensive intensity, holding the Colonels scoreless for a three-minute stretch while mounting a 9-0 run to take the lead.
Eastern Kentucky refused to go down without a fight, clawing their way back within one point with under nine minutes to play. However, WKU responded with timely baskets, including a clutch three-pointer from Lander and a bank shot from Marshall Jr., to seal the victory.
“We knew we had to come out in the second half with more energy and focus,” said Newman. “We did a much better job of taking care of the ball and making them work for their points. This was a big win for us, and we’re looking forward to keeping things rolling.”
With the win, WKU improves to 6-3 on the season and extends their dominance over Eastern Kentucky. They now hold a commanding 117-44 all-time record in the “Battle of the Bluegrass.”
Next up for the Hilltoppers is a road trip to Buffalo, New York, where they will face the Bulls on December 9th.
Despite a valiant effort led by Leland Walker’s career-high 25 points, the Colonels couldn’t withstand a second-half surge from the Hilltoppers.
The first half was a seesaw battle, with both teams exchanging runs. EKU started strong, but WKU responded with a flurry of three-pointers, hitting five from beyond the arc to take a 23-14 lead. The Colonels, however, didn’t back down. Led by Blanton’s 22 points and Cooper’s two triples, EKU clawed their way back and even took an eight-point advantage into the locker room.
The second half was a different story. WKU stormed out of the gate, erasing the deficit with a 13-2 run. The Hilltoppers continued to hit key shots, especially from long range, finishing the game 11-of-25 (44%) from three-point territory. They also capitalized on EKU’s second-half struggles, forcing 12 turnovers and converting them into 17 points.
While Walker continued to shine for the Colonels, the rest of the team struggled to find their rhythm. EKU shot just 6-of-24 (25%) from three-point range and committed 18 turnovers, ultimately proving too much to overcome.
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Colonels. Walker’s breakout performance was a positive sign, and Blanton’s consistent scoring provided a reliable offensive threat. Isaiah Cozart’s defensive presence, with eight rebounds and seven blocks, was also noteworthy.
However, the second-half collapse will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the Colonels’ mouths. Head Coach A.W. Hamilton will have his work cut out for him as they prepare for a tough road test against the No. 5 ranked UNC Greensboro Spartans on Thursday.
Eastern Kentucky will need to find a way to sustain their first-half intensity for the full 40 minutes if they want to compete against such a high-caliber opponent. They’ll also need to tighten up their ball handling and find a way to limit WKU’s effectiveness from beyond the arc, lessons learned the hard way in Sunday’s defeat.
The Colonels have a chance to bounce back quickly, but it will require a complete effort and a renewed focus on the details. Thursday’s game against UNC Greensboro will be a true test of their character and resilience.