WKU Men’s Basketball will play two games this week, continuing conference play after a big win against Liberty last week.
The Hilltoppers have been on a tear lately, winning eight straight games with their last loss coming on Nov. 26. The team has also not lost at home this season.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, WKU will travel to Huntsville, Texas to take on Sam Houston State.
The Hilltoppers average almost 80 points a game while the Bearkats average 72.4 points per game and have allowed 72.5 points per game, which reflects the team’s 8-8 record. WKU’s defense has been playing very solid during their win streak, allowing only 73.3 points per game. They also average 7.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game.
This defense will be tested against the Bearkats as junior guards Davon Barnes and Lamar Wilkerson average 14.3 and 13.7 points per game, respectively.
The team will then return to E.A. Diddle Arena to host Jacksonville State on Saturday, Jan. 13.
The Gamecock offense isn’t as high-powered as the Bearkats, but they make up for it with a stout defense that’s allowed only 62.4 points per game. They have also won five straight games, thanks in part to senior guard KyKy Tandy who’s averaging 19.4 points per game and shooting 46.7% from the field and 41.1% from three. He’s the only person on the team averaging over 10 points a game.
The difference makers for the Hilltoppers will come from the guard position. Junior guard Don McHenry leads the team with 15.1 points per game and is a big reason why the Hilltoppers are on their run. His partners in the backcourt, seniors Khristian Lander and Brandon Newman, average 9.8 and 9.5 points per game respectively. Newman also averages 6.5 rebounds per game and 1.3 steals per game.
WKU is tied with Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State at 1-0 in the conference and will play all current 1-0 teams in succession with their game against New Mexico State coming next week.
