Tops Fall to Minnesota Despite McKnight's Late Comeback Efforts

Friday, November 12

Asheville, N.C.

5:30 p.m.

Western Kentucky University

-11,00 CUSA

Minnesota

2-0,0-0Big Ten

Western Ky.

Minnesota

Tops Fall to Minnesota Despite McKnight's Late Comeback Efforts

11/12/2021 9:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Stansbury/Anderson/McKnight Postgame Press Conference

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A furious rally by Dayvion McKnight and the Hilltoppers wasn't enough Friday as WKU Basketball fell 73-69 to Minnesota in the first round of the Asheville Championship.

The sophomore guard McKnight finished with a career-high 34 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. He had 28 points in the second half, including 22 points in the last 9:30 to help WKU make it a one-possession game in the final minutes.

It was just the 13th time since 2010 nationally that a player has had a game with at least 34 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.

"I was just worried about coming back and trying to get the win today," McKnight said. "Playing with my teammates, trying to find those open spots and get to the free throw line as much as I can."

The Hilltoppers (1-1) struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 35.7% from the field and 2-for-10 from 3-point range.

Minnesota (2-0) had multiple key runs in the first half to build its lead, but none was more crucial than a 10-2 burst to finish the frame.

A free throw by redshirt senior forward Jaylen Butz cut WKU's deficit to 25-21 with 3:09 remaining in the half. From there, Minnesota made three 3s, including one just before the buzzer to open a 35-23 advantage at the break.

"Like Coach said, they made a lot of tough shots down the stretch, a lot of shots that we had guys right in their face," fifth-year senior guard Josh Anderson said. "They were just knocking down big shots time after time, so give credit to them for those."

The Golden Gophers' lead swelled as large as 16 in the second half until McKnight took a stand.

His flurry of scoring, much of it from the free-throw line, eventually made it a 70-67 game with 36 seconds to go. WKU got the ball back but missed a 3-point try for the tie.

"Give Minnesota some credit, they made shots," WKU head coach Rick Stansbury said. "Jumped up and made shots with however many threes. I thought the difference in the game was the last four minutes of the first half. As a team you've got to find a way to win those last four minutes… That's tough to overcome when you're playing a good team. Positive things are: the first half for us, I thought offensively when we quick shot it, the ball didn't move very well. You've got to control some of the game offensively and we didn't do a good job in that first half at all. The second half was much better. I thought we were much more effective getting the ball in the paint with the pass and dribble. First half, you score 23 points, the second half you score 46. You've got to find the line between the both of those.

"But again, our guys didn't give up. They put themselves in position in a one possession game late in the game. There's no moral victories but I'm proud of that fight in them. I know we've got new pieces and we've got to get better and learn from that."

McKnight made 10 of 16 shots from the field and 13 of 14 free throws in 39 minutes.

Senior forward Jairus Hamilton was the only other Hilltopper to reach double figures with 12 points and six rebounds.

Jamison Battle had 20 points to pace Minnesota, including 18 in the first half.

The Hilltoppers will play either South Carolina or Princeton in their final game of the Asheville Championship at 4 p.m. CT Sunday on ESPNU.

Med Center Health

The 2021-22 WKU Basketball season is proudly presented by Med Center Health. Med Center Health has served Southcentral Kentucky for more than 90 years, and its system of care includes six acute care hospitals, a comprehensive network of physician practices and clinics, and hundreds of area physicians offering care in dozens of specialties. From emergency treatment to preventative care, Med Center Health is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves. Learn more at medcenterhealth.org.