WKU Basketball: Hilltoppers, Gophers Meet in Asheville Championship Opener
Western Kentucky returns to the hardwood for their second game of the season, looking to build off a narrow 79–74 win against Alabama State on Tuesday.
Game Info
Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Center | Asheville, N.C.
TV: ESPNU
Radio: The Hilltopper IMG Sports Network
The Hilltoppers came out slow and sloppy Tuesday night, having to overcome a 14-point deficit to avoid losing to the Hornets. Despite the frustrating night, there were a couple of bright spots on the floor: Jarius Hamilton looks to be the real deal, and led all Hilltoppers in scoring 21 points while Dayvion McKnight had an especially strong second half, drawing fouls in key moments and putting WKU at the free throw line.
Overall, if the back 20 minutes from Tuesday can carry into the front 20 on Friday, WKU should be in good shape.
The Golden Gophers are looking for their third win all-time against the Hilltoppers and come to Asheville having won their first game of the season as well, a 71–56 win over Kansas City.
Forward Jamison Battle paced the Gophers with 18 points while Payton Willis and E.J. Stephens each notched 13.
Depth may come at a premium in this one: The Tops went just three-deep of the bench in Tuesday’s win, while the Gophers only went four deep (two of those players played fewer than five minutes).
WKU got a shot in the arm this week with the news that Cam Justice was granted a final year of eligibility. He’s expected to be available to play in Asheville.
Even with a year of rust on him, his presence should be valuable to a WKU team that is still awaiting word on the eligibility of Cincinnati transfer Keith Williams and is waiting for Zion Harmon to be deemed in good enough standard with the coaching staff to suit up.
The winner Friday will take on the Princeton/South Carolina winner on Sunday. The Gamecocks and Tigers will tip at 9:30 p.m.
Projected Lineups
WKU
Jarius Hamilton
Dayvion McKnight
Josh Anderson
Luke Frampton
Jaylen Butz
Minnesota
Jamison Battle
Payton Willis
E.J. Stephens
Luke Loewe
Eric Curry
