Hilltoppers Open Conference Play Hosting Liberty on Saturday

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Hilltopper Basketball opens Conference USA competition this week with a home meeting against Liberty on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. CT in E.A Diddle Arena. The Tops enter the matchup with the Flames standing at 11-3 overall and riding a seven-game winning streak after closing non-conference play with an 86-84 win at home over Abilene Christian last week.

The Tops' 11-3 mark serves as the best 14-game start for the Hilltoppers since the 2001-02 season. The 11 non-conference wins marks the most by WKU since 2017-18.

Game Info
WKU (11-3) vs. Liberty (11-4)
Saturday, Jan. 6 | 5 p.m. CT
E.A. Diddle Arena | Bowling Green, Ky.
Game Links: CBS Sports Network | 100.7-FM (WKLX)/Varsity Network | Live Stats | Tickets
Game Notes: WKU | Liberty

2023-24 Conference Campaign
The Hilltoppers wrapped a perfect 6-0 December with the win against ACU last Saturday and prepare to enter CUSA competition at first place in the current conference standings. Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between WKU and Liberty and will serve as the inaugural CUSA game for the Flames. Liberty holds an 11-4 mark and stands at second place in the CUSA standings.

Lander Lands POTW Honors
Senior guard Khristian Lander was named Conference USA Player of the Week on Monday after finishing with 19 points through 31 minutes of play and accounting for a game-winning driving layup with seven seconds left in regulation in the Tops' win over Abilene Christian last Saturday. The native of Evansville, Ind. also charted six rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The 19 points in the win over ACU serves as the senior's second-highest point total for the 2023-24 season. Lander is currently averaging 10.3 points per game and touts the team's second-highest 3-point FG% at .364%.

McHenry Magic
Don McHenry currently leads the Hilltoppers in scoring with 14.9 points per game. The junior native of Milwaukee also leads the team in total assists with 36 (2.6/game) and charts a team-high 3-point FG% with a .366% mark from range.

McHenry's 43-of-49 (.878%) mark from the charity stripe is good for best on the team for 10-or-more attempts. McHenry has shot .500% or better from the field in nine of the Hilltoppers' 14 games so far this season and has totaled double-digit points in 12-of-14 games for WKU.

McHenry is currently the CUSA's third-leading scorer and charts the conference's third-best FG% (min 5 FGM/G average). The junior guard's career-high 30 points in a 91-84 victory over Wright State on Dec. 12 and team-high 16 points in a 65-64 win at home over Austin Peay on Dec. 16 earned him CUSA Player of the Week honors on Dec. 18.

Starting all 14 outings for the Hilltoppers in 2023-24, McHenry leads the team in average minutes at 24.8 per game. A threat at both ends of the court, McHenry has also notched 11 steals on the year, good for fifth best on the team.

Where The Tops Stack Up
The Tops currently sit atop the CUSA standings and boast the top-scoring offense in the conference at 80.36 points per game. WKU has totaled 80 or more points in seven games this season, and 90 or more points in four games this season.

WKU currently charts as the top rebounding team in the CUSA and ranks 19^th nationally in rebounds with 42 per game. The Hilltoppers rank 22^nd in the nation in three-point percentage defense, limiting opponents to a 28% mark from range.

WKU currently ranks 48^th in the nation in bench points per game (28.43) and 46^th in the nation in forced turnovers per game (15.07).

Babacar Faye currently ranks second in the CUSA in offensive rebounds, while Brandon Newman ranks second in defensive rebounds. Tyrone Marshall Jr. ranks second in the conference in blocks and third in steals.

Nationally Televised Tops
The Hilltoppers' game against Liberty will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network with Chris Hassel and BJ Taylor 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.

Free parking will be available to fans and located in the Creason Lot with shuttle service available 2 hours before tipoff and 1 hour after the game concludes. Free parking without shuttle service will also be available in the Poland Lot, Adams Street Lot, Kentucky Street Lot and Alumni Square Garage.

Follow the team on social media (@wkubasketball) for the latest news and updates on all things Hilltopper Basketball as the team enters CUSA play. Visit wkusports.com for more information.

Players Mentioned

Babacar Faye

Khristian Lander

Tyrone Marshall Jr.

Don McHenry

Brandon Newman

Hilltoppers Open Conference Play Hosting Liberty on Saturday

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