A successful senior day. WKU Men’s Basketball defeats the UTEP Miners 97-65 at Diddle Arena Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Hilltoppers improve to six straight wins.
“It was senior night, it was a good game for us. Just taking it day by day. You don’t go too far ahead, we have two games left. We have to get ready for Missouri State on Thursday,” Redshirt sophomore guard Teagan Moore said.
In the final seven minutes of the game, the Hilltoppers dominated. A 13-point lead quickly spiraled out of control for the Miners, with WKU going on a 23-3 run to end the game.
The Hilltoppers took all of their momentum from Thursday night to the Miners, shooting 59% from the floor and 45% from three.
Along with the great shooting, WKU found high scoring efficiency in the paint, finishing with 46 paint points and holding the Miners to just 18 paint points. Due to the aggressive offense, the Hilltoppers found themselves at the free-throw line 28 times, making 24.
Four Hilltoppers finished the day with 10 or more points, with three finishing with 20 or more. Senior forward Grant Newell led the way with 25 points and seven rebounds. With the 25 points, Newell comfortably reached 1000 career points, needing just eight points going into today.
“There has never been a moment where I haven’t believed in him. He has brought into everything we do since the beginning. Grant is the right guy for me,” Head Coach Hank Plona said.
Moore and junior guard LJ Hackman rained in points, finishing with 24 and 21 points respectively.
“I think everyone played to their strengths today. There is just a trust and a buy-in and allow them to play as their best versions,” Head Coach Hank Plona said.
UTEP could not find an offensive rhythm against WKU’s hounding defense. The Hilltoppers held the Miners to 35% from the floor on the day and 28% from three. Along with holding the Miners to poor shooting from the floor, the Hilltoppers forced 14 turnovers, turning them into 22 points.
“We have been way better defensively. We tried to make them shoot shots we wanted them to take, not ones they wanted to take,” Newell said.
WKU will finish the regular season on the road, taking on Missouri State and FIU.
“Two strong, and physical opponents in front of us, so we will try and prepare to be ready come Thursday,” Plona said.
