Hilltoppers Set For 'Wear Pink' Game Facing FIU on Thursday

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Hilltopper Basketball returns home this week and will host FIU for its inaugural 'Wear Pink' game on Thursday, Jan. 25 in Diddle Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT.

WKU currently stands at 13-6 overall and 2-3 in Conference USA league play.

Game Info
WKU (13-6, 2-3) vs. FIU (7-12, 2-2)
Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7 p.m. CT
E.A. Diddle Arena | Bowling Green, Ky.
Game Links: ESPN+ | 100.7-FM (WKLX)/Varsity Network | Live Stats | Tickets

Series History
The Hilltoppers hold a 37-11 all time advantage facing the Panthers in a series dating back to 1999.

H: 18-4 • A: 14-7 • N: 5-0
LAST 5
03/01/21               Bowling Green, Ky.             W, 71-59
01/08/22               Bowling Green, Ky.             W, 84-71
01/22/22                Miami, Fla.                            L, 83-86
01/14/23                Bowling Green, Ky.             W, 70-59
01/26/23                Miami, Fla.                           L, 69-78

2023-24 Conference Campaign
The Hilltoppers enter Thursday's contest coming off a pair of road losses at New Mexico State and UTEP last week. WKU is currently tied for third place in the CUSA standings with a .400% winning percentage and holds a tie for best overall winning percentage at .684%.

The Tops are currently unbeaten at home with an 8-0 mark for the 2023-24 season.

Where The Tops Stack Up
The Tops boast the top-scoring offense in the conference (79.3 PPG) and rank first in the nation in adjusted tempo (75.3 possessions per 40 min). WKU has totaled 80 or more points in nine games this season, and 90 or more points in four games this season.

The Hilltoppers currently chart as the top rebounding team in the CUSA and rank 24^th in the nation in rebounds with 40.68 per game. WKU charts the best three-point percentage defense in the conference, limiting opponents to 29.5% from range.

WKU is currently 48^th in the nation in forced turnovers per game (14.74 per game).

Junior guard Don McHenry currently leads the team in average points (14.7) and assists (51), and charts as the fifth-leading scorer in the CUSA. The native of Milwaukee currently holds the conference's fifth-best FG% (min 5 FGM/G average) with a .440% mark.

McHenry's 53-of-63 (.841%) mark from the charity stripe is good for best on the team for five or more attempts.

Brandon Newman and Babacar Faye rank fourth and seventh in the CUSA respectively in rebounding, while Tyrone Marshall Jr. ranks fourth in the conference in blocks (25) and fifth in steals (33).

Where To Watch
The Hilltoppers' game vs. FIU will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Steve Schlanger and Tyler Hansbrough on the call. Fans can tune in live and listen on 100.7-FM (WKLX) or The Varsity Network mobile app as Hal Schmitt and Randy Lee call the game on radio.

Coaches vs. Cancer Pink Out
All fans in attendance will receive a free pink shirt, courtesy of Med Center Health, and the Hilltoppers' pregame shooting shirts will be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society.

The auction for the pink shooting shirts and tickets behind the Hilltoppers' bench for a future game is live now and open for bidding: https://goto.ps/491CZDN

WKU will also be recognizing cancer survivors at halftime of the game. Survivors can sign up to be recognized here: https://goto.ps/3OaCX4x

All fans will be able to fill out an "I Suit Up For____" sign and join the special recognition moment at the 12-minute mark of the second half.

Help us Block Out Cancer and be in Diddle Arena Thursday night.

About Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer is a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Coaches vs. Cancer unites coaches, fans and members of the basketball community in supporting the American Cancer Society's work to improve the lives of people with cancer through research, patient support and advocacy.

Tops' Social
Follow the team on social media (@wkubasketball) for the latest news and updates on all things Hilltopper Basketball as the team continues its CUSA campaign. Visit wkusports.com for more information.

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Players Mentioned

Babacar Faye

Tyrone Marshall Jr.

Don McHenry

Brandon Newman