Eli Randolph

Tyrone Marshall (left), Don McHenry (middle), and Babacar Faye celebrate Faye’s lay up during the second half of WKU’s game against NMSU on Saturday, Feb. 17.

After a tough loss to the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on Saturday, WKU prepares to host the Conference-USA leader Louisiana Tech on Wednesday, in their last home outing of the 2023-2024 season.

The last time these two teams faced off, the Hilltoppers took down the Bulldogs 81-76 on the road. This time, however, LA Tech makes their way to Bowling Green as they face WKU in a ‘Diddle After Dark’ blackout game.

Both teams come into this game hot, as the Bulldogs attempt to extend their winning streak to five games. The Hilltoppers enter the night 5-1 in their last six games, with only the two-point loss to MTSU. 

While WKU’s five-point victory in the most recent clash against the Bulldogs may not seem like a large margin, the Hilltoppers, led by Don McHenry, battled back from being down 12 in the first half to secure their 13th win all-time against LA Tech.

The Hilltoppers were led by McHerny’s 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists in that game. Throughout the season, the Wisconsin native has led the team in points, assists, and field goal percentage. McHenry also sits in third place in all of C-USA scoring.

The Bulldogs were led by Dravon Mangum against the Hilltoppers. Mangum is only averaging 5.8 points per game over the season, but had a career-high 23 points against WKU. 

The Bulldog offense usually runs through Daniel Batcho and Isaiah Crawford, who sit at fifth and second respectively in C-USA scoring. However, in the game earlier this month, the Hilltoppers were able to hold the dynamic duo to just 19 combined points, a pivotal game plan for a WKU victory.

If the Hilltoppers want to sweep the Bulldogs, they are going to have to dominate the boards, and play lock down defense on the perimeter like they did in the previous game. 

WKU hopes to add another tally to their home win count, which currently sits at 12 games. Yet, LA Tech has been the best team on the road out of C-USA, sitting at an even .500 in unknown territory. 

The Bulldogs opened as 1.5-point favorites, via ESPN Bet, but the line has moved, giving the Bulldogs another point.

This game will be available to stream on ESPN+ and will tip off at 7:00pm CT.