A layup from LJ Hackman with eight seconds left on the clock made the final difference in a close exhibition matchup against UAB, giving the Hilltoppers a 78-76 win.
Hackman and redshirt sophomore guard Teagan Moore led the way for WKU Men’s Basketball. Moore scored a career high of 26 points, and Hackman followed right behind with 12.
Behind the three-point line was a struggle for the Hilltoppers for the second straight game, shooting just 19% from behind the line. Moore had it figured out, however, shooting 8-11 on the night.
The Blazers got off to a strong start, leading 16-9 just eight minutes into the game. But Moore’s 17 first-quarter points led the Hilltoppers to a five-point halftime lead.
The Hilltoppers led 76-71 with just over two minutes remaining, but two straight buckets from UAB senior guard Ahmad Robinson tied the game with just eight seconds left.
The Hilltopper offense dominated in the paint, outscoring the Blazers 44-30 in points.
The Hilltopper defense built on the aggressive tone they established against Kentucky Wesleyan, forcing 13 turnovers and 11 steals. Freshman guard Armelo Boone led that performance with four steals.
Junior guard Jack Edelen, graduate center Blaise Keita, Moore, junior guard LJ Hackman, and graduate forward Bryant Selebangue started for the Hilltoppers.
The regular season will officially begin for the Hilltoppers at Diddle Arena on Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. CT.
