After a thrilling win in their Conference USA opener, WKU Men’s Basketball will travel to Miami Saturday with hopes of going 2-0 in conference play against the Florida International Panthers.
The Hilltoppers are coming off a 71-70 victory at Liberty. Down 12 late, freshman guard Julius Thedford and graduate guard Don McHenry led the Hilltoppers’ comeback. Thedford led WKU in scoring with 18, followed by McHenry’s 12.
The 6-8 (0-1) Panthers collapsed in the second half against Middle Tennesee State Thursday, dropping their CUSA opener at home 73-69.
Junior guard Jayden Brewer leads the Panthers in scoring, averaging 14.5 points a game. Junior center Vianney Salatchoum led the Panthers against Middle Tennesee with 21 points, shooting 71% from the field.
The Hilltoppers may run into some trouble against a Panthers defense that blocked seven shots and forced 14 turnovers against the Blue Raiders.
Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPN+.
Sports Reporter Nathan Mueller can be reached at [email protected].