WKU Men’s Basketball looks to win their first game of the season Saturday, when they head to Arizona for a game versus Grand Canyon.

The Lopes, like WKU, made the NCAA tournament last season, but unlike WKU advanced past the first round. They defeated Saint Mary’s before losing in the Round of 32 to Alabama.

“They (Grand Canyon) won a game in the NCAA tournament last year,” Head Coach Hank Plona said. “In general, they have very, very talented players. They play a lot of one-on-one basketball from what I remember a year ago. They try to put guys in space and empower them to make plays. We’re going against a team that made the round of 32, so it’ll be a heck of a challenge for us.”  

The Hilltoppers opened the season versus Wichita State in Diddle Arena, where despite strong performances from seniors Babacar Faye and Don McHenry, the Shockers prevailed in WKU’s home opener.

The Hilltoppers averaged 2.1 possessions per minute against Wichita State, but poor three-point shooting plagued WKU. In two games against the Shockers dating back to the 71-61 loss last season, WKU is shooting 6-46 from beyond the arc.

Despite forcing 14 Wichita State turnovers, WKU gave up 91 points. They will look to tighten up against a Lopes team that averaged 79.8 points per game.

The Lopes enter the game with a much younger roster then WKU, with only four seniors and three grad students. This did not hinder Grand Canyon in game one, as they opened the season with an 89-79 home win against Cal State Fullerton Monday night. The Lopes shot 47% from the field in their opener and took the rebound advantage 36-25.

The Lopes did not lose a home game last season, going 16-0 at home and 30-5 overall. The Hilltoppers will look to give them their first home loss in 18 games Saturday night. 

The game can be watched on ESPN +. Tip-off is set 7 p.m.

Sports Reporter Michael Givner Jr. can be reached at [email protected].