WKU Men’s Basketball fell to Kennesaw State Thursday night 96-87, ending their season in the Conference USA quarterfinals.

Despite WKU shooting well on the night at 43.6% from the floor and 45.8% from three, they could never overcome an early 11-point deficit in the first half. The Hilltoppers never led for the entirety of the game.

WKU clawed back in the second half to tie the game 72-72 with eight minutes left in the game, before running out of momentum. In the closing eight minutes, the Owls outscored the Hilltoppers 24-15 on their way to victory.

The Hilltoppers kept the game competitive with four players finishing the night in double-digits. Redshirt guard Teagan Moore continued to put on a show for WKU, finishing with 27 points and seven rebounds. 

Newell brought the Hilltoppers back in the game in the first half after WKU fell to as much as an 11-point deficit. Newell finished the half with a team-high 12 points. Senior forward Grant Newell ended the game with 17 points and six rebounds.

Kennesaw State got what they wanted with ease, shooting 50.8% from the floor despite shooting just 33.3% from three. The Owls relied on everyone, with five players finishing the night in double figures.

The Hilltoppers could not solve the Owls’ offense. Kennesaw State seemingly could not miss, shooting 48.4% from the floor and 36.4% from three. 

Kennesaw State would keep its foot on the gas in the second half, outscoring WKU 50-46.

WKU’s season ends in the quarterfinals for the second straight season, and finishes with an 18-14 record.