WKU Basketball: Tops Outclaw FIU in Game One, 91–58
After a disappointing blowout loss to #12 Houston on Thursday night, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers returned to Diddle Arena for a Conference USA battle versus Florida International. Sunday afternoon marked game one of the series. The Panthers of FIU were looking to improve an abysmal conference record of 2–13. The Hilltoppers were also looking for their seventh straight CUSA victory to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
The Tops started the game off with a 7–5 lead through the first three & a half minutes. This extended to a 13–2 run by the Tops that was inspired by strong defensive play and a cycle of minutes from Kevin Osawe. The offensive fireworks continued for the Tops as time went on. Their biggest lead of the game was by 16 points at the 2:09 mark. Through the rest of the first half, the Tops led the Panthers at halftime, 44–26.
In the second half, Coach Rick Stansbury was slowly taking out the starters to give them rest. The Tops kept the foot on the pedal as Charles Bassey continued to make some plays. He went into double-double numbers as he was notching 17 points. Isaiah Cozart made the best of his performance, giving Tops fans a show:
The Tops have also played a pretty clean game. Through the halfway mark of the second half, they only had two personal fouls & three turnovers. The defense contributed to 11 FIU offensive turnovers. The biggest lead of the game over FIU was 35 points as they continued to lead the game, 73–48. The Hilltoppers achieved their seventh straight CUSA win as they went on to defeat the Panthers 91–58.
Tavieon Hollingsworth achieved another feat for this season. He passed T.J. Price on the list of all-time leading scorers in WKU men’s basketball history.
This was a fun game to watch as the Tops made their biggest offensive performance of the season. They will be back at Diddle Arena on Monday for a “lunch break” contest. Game 2 starts at 12 pm central time & the game will be televised on ESPN Plus.
Don't forget to vote for Charles in Wendy’s #Wooden Award, confirming him as a serious favorite for being the best college basketball player of the year.
Here are the final stats from the 15–5 (9-2) Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ win at Diddle:
