Western Kentucky (2-3) is looking to remain undefeated on their home court as they host Tennessee-Martin (3-3) on Saturday afternoon in the continuation of the Hilltoppers' longest home-stand since the 2014 season.
The Hilltoppers are 3-1 all-time against the Skyhawks while head coach Rick Stansbury has posted a 5-0 record against UT Martin over the course of his career.
In the most recent matchup between the two teams, WKU defeated UT Martin 86-71 at home during the 2018 season.
TV: ESPN+
WHO: Western Kentucky at UT Martin
WHEN: Saturday at 12 p.m. CT
WHERE: E.A. Diddle Arena - Bowling Green, KY.
RANKINGS COMPARISON - WESTERN KENTUCKY | UT Martin
ESPN BPI: No. 90 | No. 303
KENPOM: No. 109 | No. 347
SAGARIN: No. 110 | No. 343
2020-21 NET RANKINGS: No. 82 | No. 338
The Hilltoppers tipped off a five-game homestand on Thanksgiving Eve, defeating Alabama A&M 88-62 to snap a three-game losing streak spanning back to the start of the Asheville Championship.
Junior center Jamarion Sharp got the start at center in place of Jaylen Butz. The 7-foot-5 center out of Hopkinsville, Kentucky came up big, recording the third triple-double in WKU Basketball history. Sharp finished off the night with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks.
Sophomore guard Sherman Brashear led the Hilltoppers' offense coming off the bench to sink four shots from beyond the arc, dropping a career-high 18 points.
Senior forward Jairus Hamilton is one of the regular, consistent offensive contributors on the team and that was no different on Wednesday. The Charlotte, North Carolina native tallied 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Skyhawks are coming off a 103-43 blowout win over Carver College on Wednesday as several players on UT Martin's roster had double figure finishes.
Darius Simmons had an outstanding performance with a game-high 18 points to lead the Skyhawks' offense. KJ Simon and KK Curry scored 16 points a piece.
Bernie Andre chipped in with 13 points while Josiah Morris scored 12 points and Chris Nix tallied 10.
KEY RESERVES: Chris Nix (7.8 ppg), David Didenko (6.7 ppg), Koby Jeffries (5.2 ppg).
UT Martin RECORD THIS SEASON: 3-3 / Defeated by Tennessee, Florida Atlantic and Troy.
SERIES HISTORY: WKU is 3-1 all-time against UT Martin while head coach Rick Stansbury has posted a flawless 5-0 record against the Skyhawks over the course of his career. The last time the two teams faced off was in Bowling Green during the 2018 season. The Hilltoppers won 88-62.
Western Kentucky returns to Diddle Arena tomorrow afternoon to take on UT Martin. The opening tipoff is set for 12 p.m. CT.
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