WKU Hilltoppers use balanced attack to top Northern Iowa, 93-87

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Senior Tae Hollingsworth had 26 points, true freshman Dayvion McKnight scored 21 points off the bench and Davidson-transfer Luke Frampton chipped in 14 points as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers secured a 93-87 win over Northern Iowa in the first round of the Bad Boy Mowers’ Crossover Classic.

WKU was able to use its experience and depth to hold off a number of surges from the Panthers, who were led by sophomore Noah Carter (28 pts) and reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year AJ Green. The Junior guard’s 28-point effort would not be enough, though, as Rick Stansbury’s squad stuck it out down the stretch.

The Tops advance to Thursday morning’s semifinal matchup, where they will play Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time.