The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (14-11, 5-7 CUSA) return home Thursday for a critical CUSA basketball matchup against the Sam Houston Bearkats (10-16, 3-10 CUSA) at 9 p.m. EST in Bowling Green. Lamar Wilkerson’s 25-point performance against Kennesaw State elevates this contest into a potential season-defining moment for both teams.
Western Kentucky boasts an 11-3 home record this season but has struggled in nail-biters, with three losses decided by three points or fewer. Don McHenry leads the Hilltoppers’ recent surge, averaging 18.7 points over their last 10 games. Meanwhile, Sam Houston relies on Wilkerson’s 19.7 points per game and Kalifa Sakho’s conference-leading offensive rebounds (2.4 per game).
This game hinges on whether Sam Houston can disrupt Western Kentucky’s rhythm early,said one CUSA analyst. Their offensive rebounding could wear down the Hilltoppers.
Key numbers to watch:
- Western Kentucky averages 77.8 points vs. Sam Houston’s 75.8 defensive average
- Bearkats shoot 44.3% from the field (2.9% above WKU opponents’ average)
- Hilltoppers allow 74.7 points in last 10 games vs. Sam Houston’s 72.3 defensive average
With both teams needing conference wins for tournament positioning, Thursday’s matchup promises tense moments. Can Sam Houston’s shooting accuracy overcome Western Kentucky’s home-court dominance? Watch for guard battles between McHenry and Wilkerson to decide this CUSA basketball clash.