No one’s perfect. WKU Men’s Basketball rode a complete performance to defeat the Liberty Flames 94-73, handing the Flames their first conference loss of the season.

The Hilltoppers had everything working for them from the first whistle, shooting 52.5% from the floor. WKU continued to be near perfect from the free-throw line, shooting 95.7%.

It was an all-around effort for the Hilltoppers, with four players finishing in double-digits. The duo of redshirt sophomore guard Teagan Moore and senior forward Grant Newell led the charge, each finishing with 21 points.

Along with the shooting, WKU’s defense was insurmountable for the Flames. The Hilltoppers forced 12 turnovers, 10 of which were in the form of steals. 

Liberty appeared unrecognizable from 3-point range, shooting 28% from the floor. Before tonight, the Flames led CUSA in 3-point percentage at 40% per game.

Despite the sluggish shooting from beyond the arc, the Flames finished the night shooting 55.6% from the floor. 

The Hilltoppers capitalized on the Flames’ offensive collapse in the first half, forcing eight of the team’s 12 turnovers.

WKU scored 14 points off turnovers, resulting in multiple runs, one of which was 9-0 and another 8-0 run. The Hilltoppers took a 48-37 lead into halftime and did not look back.

In the second half, the Hilltoppers continued to dominate, outscoring the Flames 46-36.

With the win, the Hilltoppers improve to third in Conference USA with a 9-7 record and 16-11 overall. 

WKU looks to extend its four-game win streak, returning to Diddle Arena Thursday night to take on the New Mexico State Aggies.