WKU Men’s Basketball returned to E.A. Diddle Arena Wednesday night, defeating the Campbellsville Tigers 101-77.
“We have to be a better basketball team moving forward,” Head Coach Steve Lutz said. “Luckily we were a little bit bigger, faster and stronger than Campbellsville, but that won’t be the case when you play Liberty on January 6th.”
The Hilltopper offense clicked tonight, making 48% of their shots and knocking down 12 threes. The team scored 47 points off the bench along with 13 second-chance points. They never trailed.
Senior guard Khristian Lander had a big game, scoring a career-high 22 points. Five of his teammates entered double figures in scoring, including redshirt-senior guard Brandon Newman, who had 15 points and eight rebounds.
Junior forward Babacar Faye had 11 points and nine rebounds, and senior forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. added 15 points.
The Hilltopper defense regrouped from their games in Canada, forcing 14 turnovers (eight steals) and holding Campbellsville to 37% shooting from the field and 24% from three. WKU forced multiple scoring droughts which allowed them to lead by as much as 26 in the game.
WKU’s 101 points is a new season-high, topping their 95 point showing against Kentucky State.
WKU is set to face the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Sunday, Dec. 3 at E.A. Diddle Arena at 4 p.m. CT.
First Half:
WKU won the jump ball and jumped to a quick 13-4 lead. Midway through, the Tigers cut the lead to two with a 7-0 run before WKU went on their own 7-0 run. The Hilltoppers capitalized on Campbellsville fouls to end the half up 52-33.
Second Half:
The Tigers cut the lead to 11 before another 7-0 Hilltopper run started the runaway in the second half. WKU’s defense adjusted at halftime, terrorizing Campbellsville. WKU forced five turnovers and held them to four three-pointers. The team put up 49 points in the second half, shooting 50% from the field and 46% from three.
