BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU Hilltopper Basketball faced a tough loss to Kennesaw State, falling 81-65 on Saturday at E.A. Diddle Arena. With this defeat, the Hilltoppers’ record dropped to 11-7 overall and 4-3 in Conference USA.
The game had its moments, especially in the first half. Kennesaw State initially led 9-7. WKU briefly took a 16-12 lead with quick scores from Ryan Myers and Grant Newell, but Kennesaw answered back, showcasing their strong offense. The Owls managed a 10-0 run, pushing their lead to 22-16.
WKU fought back, with LJ Hackman, who scored 13 points, helping narrow the gap before halftime. He hit a crucial three-pointer as the half closed, leaving WKU down by nine at 43-34.
The second half started strong for WKU. They went on an 11-0 run, lifting spirits and giving them a 44-43 lead. However, Kennesaw State quickly regained control. WKU struggled to find their rhythm, going over seven minutes without a field goal. This allowed Kennesaw to widen their lead to double digits.
Though WKU tried to mount a comeback with late three-pointers from Kade Unseld and Cam Haffner, it wasn’t enough. Kennesaw State maintained their lead and secured the victory.
Notably, three Hilltopper players reached double figures in scoring, with Myers leading the team with 16 points. Teagan Moore just missed a double-double, finishing with nine points and eight rebounds. The announced attendance for the game was 3,823, which shows the community’s support.
Coach Hank Plona acknowledged Kennesaw’s energy and control during the game. He noted that losing key players can shift the dynamics, allowing the opposing team to play with more confidence.
In recent basketball statistics, teams that effectively convert fast breaks tend to seize momentum. Despite leading in fast-break points, the Hilltoppers couldn’t maintain consistency. In fact, according to a recent survey by the NCAA, teams with a strong bench presence often outperform those that rely heavily on starting players. WKU’s bench scored 32 points compared to Kennesaw’s 17, indicating depth but also highlighting inconsistency from the starters.
As they regroup, the Hilltoppers will face Liberty next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, offering fans another chance to support their team. For updates and more on WKU Basketball, check their social media or visit WKUSports.com.
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