WKU Men’s Basketball returned to the win column Saturday defeating the Kennesaw State Owls 85-69 splitting their two-game home stand. 

With the win, WKU ended a two-game losing streak and returned to .500 in conference play at 2-2. The Hilltoppers sit at 11-6 overall. 

The Hilltoppers’ first-half defense allowed them to open up a 15-point lead going into intermission. The Owls fought back in the second half but ultimately lost by 16.

“We set the tone right from the beginning of the game,” Head Coach Hank Plona said.

WKU forced eight turnovers, 18 defensive rebounds and five steals in the first half. 

After a 24-point breakout game against Jacksonville State, senior guard Enoch Kalambay finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Graduate forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. led the team with 20 points and seven rebounds.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a new Enoch,” said Marshall Jr., “He’s just now letting it all out, letting you all see what he can really do.”

The Hilltoppers shot 42% from the field and 42% from the three, a much-needed return to form for a team that has had trouble shooting since entering conference play. 

First Half

Going into the first media timeout of the game the Hilltoppers led 9-7 thanks to six points and three rebounds from Marshall Jr.  

KSU called a timeout with 13 minutes remaining after a 7-0 run from the Hilltoppers opened up their lead to 16-7. Going into the second media timeout, the Hilltoppers led 16-7. Their defense forced three turnovers, two shot-clock violations, and six defensive rebounds with 11:49 remaining in the half.

The Hilltoppers led 26-9 going into the third media timeout. The Hilltoppers went on a three-minute 10-0 run. Their defense forced seven turnovers with eight minutes remaining in the half.

Going into the final media timeout of the half, the Hilltoppers led 33-21, however, the Owls went on a 9-0 run.

The Hilltoppers brought a 40-25 lead into halftime. Marshall Jr. led the team with 12 points, followed by Kalambay and senior guard Don McHenry who had seven

Second Half

Going into the first media timeout of the half, the Hilltoppers led 45-33. 

The Hilltoppers led 54-43 going into the second media timeout of the half. 

The Hilltoppers stretched their lead to 66-55 at the third media timeout. The Hilltoppers expanded their lead for a 16-point victory, 85-69.

Sports Reporter Natan Mueller can be reached at [email protected].