GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – WKU Hilltopper Basketball is slated to play Akron in the first round of the Cayman Islands Classic in November. The Hilltoppers will face off against the Zips at 12:30 p.m. CT on November 21 at John Gray Gymnasium, just minutes away from the world famous Seven Mile Beach.
WKU holds an 8-2 mark over Akron, who finished with a NET of 126 and record of 22-10 in 2021-22. The Hilltoppers last played the Zips in Akron in 2001, winning 78-68. The series dates back to 1980 where WKU started the series with six straight wins.
The Hilltoppers will play either Illinois State or LSU in their second game of the tournament on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. CT or 12:30 p.m. CT. Illinois State finished the year 11-20 with a NET of 200 while LSU went 22-12 with a final NET of 20.
WKU is 16-13 all-time against the field, with the other side of the bracket featuring Kansas State, Nevada, Tulane and Rhode Island. The Hilltoppers have met each team at least twice, except Nevada who they've only played once.
The Hilltoppers are guaranteed three games in the three-day tournament with the championship game scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on Nov. 23.
This will be WKU's first game outside the continental United States since played in the Virgin Islands in 2019.
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