WKU rolls to sixth straight win, takes down Kentucky Wesleyan 91-71

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – For the final time this season, WKU men’s basketball welcomed a non-conference opponent into Diddle Arena on Saturday, and following strong play from multiple Hilltopper guards, the team was able to knock off the visiting Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers 91-71.

The win marks six straight victories for WKU, and nine wins in the team’s last 10 games, improving their overall record to 9-3.

Saturday’s first half saw just five points of separation on the scoreboard, as the Tops led 46-41.

Panthers big man Fatih Huyuk was a problem for WKU down low, scoring 14 points in the first 20 minutes and showcasing an area where the Tops are a bit injury plagued.

Shooting for Kentucky Wesleyan was also lights out in the first half, with seven made three pointers and a field goal percentage of 57.1%.

Despite the hot start from the Panthers, head coach Hank Plona’s squad remained under control and went shot-for-shot with their opponent, up until the second half, when the team broke away thanks to bursts of scoring which helped grow the final margin of difference to 20 points.

Guard Don McHenry was the leading scorer for WKU once again, dropping 29 points with 19 of those coming in the final 10 minutes of regulation.

The senior from Milwaukee had his third-straight performance with 25+ points, tying a season-high for himself, and saw the third-straight outing with four made three-point field goals.

Guard Braxton Bayless also had his strongest performance on the Hill, so far, going 3-3 from long distance, marking the most threes he’s had in a single game all season, and scoring 18 points, his best at WKU.

As the Hilltoppers enter a week-long stretch of no games, they are hoping to get some much-needed rest and return some key players to the court before their meeting with No. 24 Michigan in Ann Arbor on Sunday, December 29.