Western Kentucky hosts historic rival Eastern Kentucky on Sunday
Western Kentucky (5-3) is set to revive a historic in-state rivalry on Sunday afternoon, hosting Eastern Kentucky (3-2) at E.A. Diddle Arena.
The "Battle of the Bluegrass" series between Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky dates back to the 1914-15 campaign and is one of the most storied series in the history of Kentucky basketball.
The Hilltoppers and the Colonels have clashed a total of 160 times in history as Western Kentucky holds a 116-44 advantage in the series.
The Hilltoppers enter the matchup after a 101-77 victory over Campbellsville in which six players on WKU's roster charted double-figure point totals.
Western Kentucky shot 48.1% (37-77) from the floor, 34.3% (12-35) from beyond the arc and 75.0% (15-20) from the free throw line.
WKU senior guard Khristian Lander led the Hilltoppers with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
Senior forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. also had a great game, recording 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
WKU redshirt senior guard Brandon Newman was also successful on the scoreboard, picking up 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Fifth year forward Rodney Howard finished the contest with 11 points as well as two rebounds.
Eastern Kentucky enters Sunday's contest after defeating Troy in a 77-76 thriller. The Colonels shot 44.6% (29-65) from field goal range, 42.9% (9-21) from three-point range and 90.9% (10-11) from the free throw line.
EKU senior wing Devontae Blanton led the Colonels on the scoreboard, dropping 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block.
Sophomore guard Leland Walker also made his presence known, recording 14 points, six assists and two steals.
Senior forward Michael Moreno had a strong game as well, picking up 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal.
EKU senior center Isaiah Cozart, a former Hilltopper, earned a double-double, collecting 10 points, 13 rebounds, one steal and 11 blocks.
Western Kentucky is set to take on Eastern Kentucky in Bowling Green at 4:00 p.m. CT as the contest will air on ESPN+.
****
Talk about it on RED TOWEL TALK.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Follow us on Twitter: @WKU_Rivals, @SeanW_Rivals, @Drew_Toennies, @Derrick_Deen
Like us on FACEBOOK.