WKU went in to Saturday night’s game against IUPUI hoping to extend its winning streak to three games and win its second straight road game.

Instead the Toppers (4-7) were sent home after allowing IUPUI’s Alex Young to score 43 points — the most since 1971 for the Jaguars — in leading them to an 84-76 win in Indianapolis.

“I take total responsibility for this one not getting these guys prepared,” Head Coach Ken McDonald told WKU’s Big Red Radio following the game. “We did not defend. More importantly, the disappointing thing tonight was the body language and that we didn’t play hard.”

With the loss, McDonald’s record moved to 0-18 when WKU gives up 80 or more points.

WKU trailed by just three, 16-13, with 7:26 left to play in the first half, but IUPUI win on an 11-0 run that ended with just over four minutes left in the half to take a 24-13 lead.

The Jaguars eventually took a 34-25 lead into halftime thanks to 20 first half points from Young.

It looked like there might end up being a close game in the second half, as WKU pulled within one, 40-39, with 12:53 left. 

But IUPUI then ran off a 21-7 run to put itself up 61-46 with 6:06 left to play. 

WKU could never respond to the Jaguars’ run.

Only one other Jaguar player finished in double figures — Stephen Thomas with 13 points.

WKU had three in double figures, led by freshman guard T.J. Price with 19 points. Senior guard Kahlil McDonald added 15 and junior guard Jamal Crook had 11.

On the stat sheet, both teams were pretty even. WKU shot 42 percent compared to IUPUI’s 45 percent, and WKU made four more three-pointers that IUPUI.

The difference tonight, McDonald said, was that WKU wasn’t tough enough to come away with the road win.

“I think for the most part with this group, you can say we played hard. Tonight was not the case,” McDonald said. “Once again, it’s on me.”