For a chance to play Middle Tennessee in the Semi-Finals, WKU controlled New Mexico State’s bid at an upset Thursday night, 89-69.
The Hilltoppers dominated from buzzer to buzzer in the first half as they headed into the break with an 11-point lead, 40-29.
WKU’s offensive strength came down to a mixture of being able to hit from long range, and converting on their trips to the line. The Hilltoppers finished the first half 6-15 from deep compared to the Aggies 2-11. WKU also had four times the amount of trips to the charity stripe, as they went into the half 12-19 compared to New Mexico State’s 1-5.
Hilltopper big-man Rodney Howard led the team with his must-see interior offensive presence. The Conference-USA 6th Man of the Year made light work out of his bench load. His 12 points on 60% from the field, and 6-7 from three led the team in scoring through his 11 minutes.
He was doing more than just scoring under the basket. His three offensive rebounds paired with his two defensive rebounds kept the Hilltoppers within one rebound of the Aggies.
The defensive focus for WKU was keeping NMSU’s Christian Cook quiet. His seven points nearly led the team, but was held to 3-10 from the line, while going 1-6 from three.
For New Mexico State, it was Tanahj Pettway who took over the offense for the Aggies. His eight points and five rebounds led the team in each of the statistics, while being one of only two Aggies to knock down a three pointer.
Team First Half Statistics:
WKU: 11-31 FG, 6-15 3FG, 12-19 FT | 22 Rebounds: 16 Defensive, six Offensive.
NMSU: 13-33 FG, 2-11 3FG, 2-2 FT | 23 Rebounds: 17 Defensive, six Offensive.
Unfortunately for the Aggies, the second half was more of the same domination for the Hilltopper offense.
Continuing to be led by Howard, the Hilltoppers dominated the paint, scoring 32 of their 49 second half points from underneath the basket. Howard’s eight second half points gives the center a career high 20 points on 7-10 from the field.
WKU’s attempt to silence Cook in the second half was to no avail. The guard’s 13 second half points, shooting 5-7 from the field and 2-3 from three also gave him a 20 point night, but came up unsuccessful in his attempt to bring his team back from an ever-expanding margin.
Team Second Half Statistics:
WKU: 18-29 FG, 2-6 3FG, 11-12 FT | 15 Rebounds: 12 Defensive, three Offensive.
NMSU: 15-29 FG, 4-7 3FG, 6-11FT | 13 Rebounds: nine Defensive, four Offensive.
The Hilltoppers will face the Blue Raiders on Friday with the game slated to tip off at 2:00pm.
