In a triumphant display, WKU Hilltopper Basketball notched its third conference victory of the 2023-24 season, claiming an 80-69 win against Conference USA newcomer Jacksonville State (Jax State) on Saturday night at Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers, led by a stellar performance from Brandon Newman, showcased their resilience and skill to secure the win and improve their overall record to 13-4, including an unblemished 8-0 record at home this season.
Key Highlights and Contributions:
- Newman’s Pinnacle Performance:
- Brandon Newman delivered a season-high 25 points, leading the Hilltoppers in scoring.
- Accompanying his scoring prowess, Newman contributed significantly with four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
- Home Court Dominance:
- The victory over Jax State extended WKU’s unbeaten streak at home to 8-0 this season, marking the best home start for the Hilltoppers since the 2008-09 season.
- Early Lead and Fast Start:
- WKU started the game with authority, with Babacar Faye’s second-chance slam and Tyrone Marshall Jr.’s early triple establishing a 5-0 lead.
- Brandon Newman’s fast break three-pointer extended the lead to 8-0 within the first three minutes.
- Game Flow and Lead Changes:
- Jax State responded with a 9-0 run to even the score at 17-17, eventually taking a lead of 22-21.
- The first half saw lead exchanges, and Jax State secured a 43-35 lead by halftime.
- Second-Half Resurgence:
- WKU made a quick comeback in the second half, as Newman and Khristian Lander combined for six points in under a minute.
- Newman’s three-pointer at the 16:57 mark reclaimed the lead for WKU, sparking a turnaround.
- Crucial Plays and Momentum Shifts:
- Dontaie Allen’s three and McHenry’s triples played pivotal roles, helping WKU maintain and extend their lead.
- McHenry’s three-pointers, in particular, contributed to a 63-56 lead for the Hilltoppers.
- Late-Game Control:
- WKU held Jax State scoreless for nearly three minutes, solidifying their lead in the final moments.
- The Hilltoppers sealed the 80-69 victory, showcasing resilience and late-game composure.
- Next Conference Challenge:
- WKU looks ahead to the next challenge in their conference campaign with a road matchup against New Mexico State on Thursday, Jan. 18, with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. CT. ESPN+ will broadcast the game.
The Hilltoppers’ performance against Jax State demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges, adapt to the game flow, and secure crucial victories in conference play. As WKU continues to assert its dominance, eyes are set on sustaining momentum and success throughout the season.
