Post Game: WKU 68 – So. Miss 65

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Wow. What a game. A game that went back and forth, and kept both team’s fans on the edge of their seat the entire game!
The Toppers jumped out to an early lead. But like we have seen so much this season, they blow the lead quickly, which is what happened. However they battled back to re-gain a 5 point lead at the Half. Then we enter the 2nd half, which began slowly, but once the Tops got rolling they kept going! WKU reached a 10 point lead by 5 and a half minutes into the half. Once this occurred, the lead began to dwindle down. Allowing Southern Miss to sneak back into the ball game. In the final minutes as each possession was huge, the Toppers were able to capitalize on free throws. WKU went 8 of 8 from the line in the final 3 minutes. The Tops were able to hold off the Golden Eagles from Southern Miss 68 to 65.
So what were the highlights of the game? Let’s get started!
One of the main things i noticed was the free throws. The Tops not only capitalized on free throws late, but kept them falling the entire game. They went 26 of 30 from the line, which is 86.7%. WKU has a FT season average of 65%. Tonight the free throws were huge. When the extra points were needed, WKU landed them. Trency Jackson went 9 of 11, and George Fant was 9 of 10.
Another key note was the amount of turnovers the Tops committed tonight. WKU turned the ball over on 17 different occasions tonight, not many teams are able to commit that many turnovers and still come out with a win. However, i think the Toppers offense is what helped ease the damage done by the turnovers.
The Hilltopper offense was clicking on all cylinders at points in the game. WKU shot 50% from behind the 3 point arch tonight as they
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
went 8 of 16. The Top’s main 3 point contributors were T.J. Price as he went 3 of 9 (33%) and Chris Harrison-Docks who shot 3 of 4 (75%). There were many times tonight i kept saying to myself “C-H-D for THREE!” I think it is a catchy phrase and it sure fit his performance tonight. Also, I need to make note of the Field goal percentage which was very well tonight, especially at the half. The Tops were 7 of 13 (54%) for FG coming into halftime, they finished the game on the same note, 17 of 32 (53%). The Tops had four main point contributors tonight, those being: Trency Jackson (16 points), George Fant (15 points), T.J. Price (15 points), and Chris Harrison-Docks (11 points). The rebounding leaders include George Fant with 4, T.J. Price with 3, and four more players with 2 each.
Another highlight was George Fant crossing the 900 total points mark with his career at WKU, accomplishing another stepping stone to reaching the 1000 point club.
Overall the Hilltoppers showed a very good performance in front of the home crowd. With the offense looking the best it has all season, the roster showed how much depth can be provided now that Jackson and C-H-D are eligible. Things to work on include the same feature as it has been all season, continue minimizing turnovers, as well as eliminating second chance opportunities for competitors.
Hilltopper fans have the right to be proud tonight as we can celebrate a tough victory over a good team! WKU moves to (6-4) on the season, and Diddle continues to be unwelcoming to visitors as the Tops remain (5-0) at home! WKU now looks to keep the home streak alive this weekend against in-state former OVC foe Murray State as they travel to Bowling Green. As always Wave The Red Towel will keep you fully covered once game day gets here. Until then, be proud and Stand up and Cheer for your HILLTOPPERS!