WKU Basketball: WKU Routes Indiana State, Snaps Two Game Losing Streak

After a complete garbage ending to the Wisconsin game, WKU decided to take out their frustration on Indiana State (a team that beat IU at Assembly Hall in Bloomington by 21 points) on Saturday morning. Indiana State had invaded EA Diddle Arena, with a large, enthusiastic contingent of ISU fans (#11 Tyreke Key is from just across the border in Tennessee.) However, several quick baskets by the red and white got the home crowd into the game.

WKU rushed out to a quick 11–3 start to begin the game, and had a strong lead throughout the first half. Indiana State got into foul trouble quickly in the first half, forcing Sycamore big man #34 Brandon Murphy out of the game early. The Tops would extend the lead to as much as 19–5, before a small Indiana State run closed the gap for the Sycamores to 19–10 after a made three point shot by Clayton Hughes. This is as close as the Sycamores would get in the first half, before WKU started to pull away. After several minutes of tough defense by both teams, WKU would extend their lead to a 43–28 lead going into halftime. WKU looked a bit sloppy on offense in the first half, but was able to clean things up a bit to extend their lead.

After halftime, WKU continued to dominate and extend their lead. Every time Indiana State would make a run, the Tops would answer with one of their own. Western forced several turnovers on the Sycamores throughout the game, that often led to points for the Tops. WKU would use their halftime lead to secure the victory, despite both teams playing evenly in the 2nd half. The Sycamores would get as close as 12 in the 2nd half before the Tops pulled away for the 81–62 victory. The only bad spot in the 2nd half was poor free throw shooting for the Toppers.

Dwight Coleby looked like he was ready to play and make a statement in the first half of the game, having a strong impact. Coleby racked up 11 points and 5 rebounds, with some big time dunks and blocks, and finished the game with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Taveion Hollingsworth led the Toppers with 19 points, including 2–3 from behind the three-point line. Overall, the team played very balanced and looked like they were just enjoying the game. As we all (should) know at this point, this team is legit and can play with anyone.

With the win, Western now moves to 7–4 on the season after snapping the 2-game losing streak. After the tough losses on the road, this was a solid win at home that gives the Hilltoppers some good momentum. WKU next faces a good Belmont team on Tuesday night in Diddle. This will be another good, strong test for this team.