VISUALS: Hilltoppers shut down Bears in 87-72 win

Adin Parks, Von Smith

January 14, 2026

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers guard Ryan Myers (4) steps onto the court before WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Myers contributed 8 points to the Hilltoppers 87-72 win. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Noah Boyde (7) lunges for the ball at tipoff against Missouri State’s Keith Palek III (11) during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Leeroy Odiahi (21) gathers a rebound during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Grant Newell (8) drives the lane during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

Missouri State Bears forward Keith Palek III (11) is fouled while attempting a layup during WKU’s game against Western Kentucky University on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

WKU’s mascot Big Red poses for the press during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University head coach Hank Plona motions for a play during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.
(Adin Parks)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Grant Newell (8) attempts a layup during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

Young fans jump to catch a Smuckers Uncrustable sandwich during a timeout during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers guard LJ Hackman (2) drives around a Missouri State Bears defender during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

Missouri State forward Keith Palek III (11) reaches underneath Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers guard Armelo Boone (12) after losing control of the ball during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Palek had 24 points and 3 fouls after the Bear’s loss to the Hilltoppers. (Von Smith)

Young fans perform the “Chicken Dance” on the sideline during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Leeroy Odiahi (21) watches the ball fall through the net after a free throw during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.
(Adin Parks)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Noah Boyde (7) fights for a layup at the rim during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers guard Teagan Moore (30) holds the ball on the sidelines during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

A member of the Big Red Marching Band plays an instrument for Western Kentucky University’s fight song before WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.
(Adin Parks)

Missouri State Bears guard Zaxton King (13) cuts through Hilltoppers defense for a layup during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Grant Newell (8) drives the lane during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)

A young fan shares his disbelief following a call during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Von Smith)

Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers forward Noah Boyde (7) and Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers guard Teagan Moore (30) walk down the court in the final seconds of WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.
(Adin Parks)

Freshman Missouri State Guard Trey Williams Jr. (1) sits on the court after taking a hit on offense during WKU’s game against the Missouri State Bears in E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Williams contributed 12 points to the Bear’s 87-72 loss to the Hilltoppers. (Von Smith)

About the Contributors

Adin Parks

Adin Parks, Assistant Photo Editor

Adin Parks is a visual journalist for the WKU Herald. Parks is a senior Photojournalism student from Louisville, Kentucky. Always ready for new experiences with a camera, Parks wants to show how beautiful the world is.

Von Smith

Von Smith, Visuals Editor

Von Smith is a photojournalist from the south end of Louisville currently working as the Visuals Editor at the WKU Herald. Von began working as a staff photographer his freshman year and intends on remaining there through graduation.