Post Game: Tops 63 – Cardinals 79

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Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

I really hate halftime.

Whether it be a big home game against ULM, ULL or Troy, or the first round of the NCAA Tournament, something usually bad happens when WKU is playing incredibly well in the first half, and they try to carry that momentum into the second half.

Now, we can’t really dissect the problem in football, because WKU is on par with or better than ULM, ULL and Troy, so there goes that. But the problem on the hardwood is much easier to solve.

WKU has a rich basketball history, there is no denying that. However, if it ever does happen, it’ll be a long time before the Tops compete with the true top dogs game in and game out.

Both, against Kansas last year in the tournament and today against the defending champion Cardinals, WKU played strong and tough, and at several points had leads, and found themselves in a tight ball game at the intermission. And then, the 2nd half happens.

Why will WKU not be able to compete? These coaches at the top of college basketball are the best in the game, in many cases, better than some NBA coaches. WKU will never be able to sneak up and steal a win from a team because these coaches are so smart, and so good at making halftime adjustments, that the surprise element of the Hilltoppers can’t be overcome.

But enough about that. What happened on the floor today was a good effort, don’t let the deficit in the final score fool you.

T.J. Price lead all scorers with 22 points, followed by newcomer Chris Harrison-Docks with 10. While only those 2 Toppers scored in double figures, Rostov finished with 9, Fant had 7, and other newcomer Trency Jackson had 6. WKU battled closely on the boards, but lost 38-36. The Tops also committed 11 turnovers, creating unnecessary opportunities for a very good basketball squad.

When all was said and done, what doomed WKU was not scoring a field goal from the floor in the first half until the 12:55 mark, and allowing UofL to start the 2nd half as quickly as they did, putting themselves in a hole they couldn’t get themselves out of.

If you’re a WKU fan, you should be proud of the effort. Yes, the final score looks depressing, but it isn’t truly as bad as it was. WKU did take a lot of desperation shots towards the end that resulted in Cardinals rebounds for easy baskets.

The Tops now will come home for a long stint, and hope the friendly confines of the mighty E.A. Diddle Arena and hope to get things back on the right track.

Losing is tough. Losing in state is tougher. But being a Hilltopper isn’t. Stand up and cheers.