WKU mens basketball (11-7, 3-4 CUSA) was handed their fourth loss of conference play against the #24 FAU Owls (17-1, 7-0 CUSA) Monday, Jan. 16th at E.A. Diddle Arena. 

During tonight’s game senior center Jamarion Sharp collected his 225th career block. This made Sharp the all-time program leader in career blocks.

“It’ll be something he remembers,” said interim head coach Phil Cunningham. “ The first thing anybody will remember about Jamarion is his ability to block shots.”

Junior Dayvion Mcknight played well in the loss. Mcknight led the team in scoring with 15 points. He also made his presence known on the glass leading the game in rebounds with nine.

Senior guard Jordan Rawls gave quality minutes off the bench. Rawls has 13 points along with four assists in the contest. 

“Jordan’s played well,” said Cunningham. “ He’s a veteran guy and I loved his energy tonight.” 

The Owls got off to a quick start. FAU was able to put the Hilltoppers in a hole early with an 8-0 run. However, WKU quickly responded to the deficit. Eight points from sixth year senior Luke Frampton helped tie the game up at 11. 

The Hilltoppers carried their momentum into the 12 minute timeout leading 16-12 at the break. WKU continued to widen their lead. A 10-2 run had the Hilltoppers up eight with 5:30 left in the half. 

The Owls answered the late eight point deficit. A five minute, 16-7 run had the Owls up 34-33 heading into halftime. 

Both squads stayed close to begin the second half. Through five minutes the score was tied at 48. The Owls began to create separation on the Hilltoppers. FAU went on a 10-2 run to go up eight on the Hilltoppers, 58-50. 

WKU was unable to get their shots to fall for most of the second half as their deficit continued to grow late. The Hilltoppers were outscored 42-29 in the second half and lost the game 76-62. 

The Hilltoppers will look to bounce back Thursday, Jan. 19th against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at the Thomas Assembly center in Ruston Louisiana.