WKU mens basketball wrapped up non-conference play Saturday, defeating the Abilene Christian Wildcats in an 86-84 thriller at Diddle Arena.
“I thought it was a hard fought ball game,” head coach Steve Lutz said. “I thought it was a fun game probably from a fan standpoint to watch.”
Senior forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. and senior guard Khristian Lander were huge pieces in the Hilltopper victory. The pair combined for 39 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Lander led WKU in assists with three.
As a team the Hilltoppers shot 50% from the field and 35% from three. WKU, who came into this matchup averaging a C-USA best of 79 points per game, exceeded 80 points for the seventh time this season.
Even in the loss, Abilene Christian shot very well against the Hilltopper defense. The Wildcats shot an impressive 50% from three and 42% from the field. WKU’s defense has proven to be lackluster through the start of the 2023-24 campaign, as the Hilltoppers were tied for 224th in the nation in scoring defense headed into Saturday’s matchup.
“Let’s hope our defense gets better as the new year rolls in,” Lutz said.
The first half saw WKU playing from behind as the Hilltoppers never led throughout the 20 minute period. Despite this, WKU was able to keep it close. Abilene Christian gained their biggest lead of the afternoon late in the half, taking a nine point advantage with two minutes to play, however a strong end to the period from the Hilltoppers cut the WIldcats halftime lead to three, 47-44.
The squads traded runs to start the second half. Abilene Christian opened the half with a 9-4 run to open their lead back up to eight. WKU responded with a 13-4 run that gave them their first lead of the contest, 61-60. The teams continued to share runs, setting up an 84-84 ball game with 35 seconds left to go.
With seconds left to play, Lander took matters into his own hands, driving to the hoop and using his left hand to bank it in off the glass to give WKU a two point lead with seven seconds remaining.
“Coach just felt like it was a good play to run for me down the stretch,” Lander said. “Got a good look and ended up finishing it.”
The lead stood until the buzzer, securing the two point win for Lander and the Hilltoppers.
WKU will look to extend their record to 12-3, as they tip-off conference play against Liberty on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 5pm. CT.
