Western Kentucky Hilltopper Basketball-Western Kentucky to face in-state foe Kentucky in newly scheduled game

Published Dec 20, 2021

Western Kentucky to play in-state foe Kentucky in newly scheduled game

Drew Toennies • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

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Western Kentucky (8-4) is set to face off against in-state foe No. 20 Kentucky (8-2) in a newly scheduled game on Wednesday.

The in-state contest will be the first regular-season game against the Kentucky Wildcats since the 2001 season.

The game is set to tipoff at 5 p.m. CT on Wednesday at Rupp Arena and is scheduled to air over ESPN.

“We really appreciate the cooperation from Mitch Barnhart and Coach Calipari in working with us so quickly in scheduling this game. I know our fans will be excited about playing Kentucky, and our program always looks for challenging opportunities on a national stage. Most importantly, playing this game will result in providing relief to those who have been impacted the most from the devastating tornadoes in our region.”

Todd Stewart

Western Kentucky was previously scheduled to face off against Austin Peay but both programs have agreed to move that matchup back to the 2022-23 season.

The Wildcats were set to host Louisville on Wednesday but the Cardinals had to postpone the matchup due to COVID-19 protocols withint their program.

UK Athletics will be using the matchup to help raise money for those affected by the Dec. 11 tornadoes.

“We want to extend our appreciation to Coach Calipari and Kentucky for their willingness to play this game. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about what our state is going through right now and continue to build support for those in western Kentucky affected by the recent tornadoes, including the people of Bowling Green. I know Cal and Kentucky didn’t have to do this, but it speaks volumes about their willingness to help the state of Kentucky.”

Rick Stansbury

Western Kentucky has posted a 2-4 all-time record against Kentucky with the last meeting between the two in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The top-ranked Wildcats won the last meeting 81-66 and went onto become the NCAA Champions.

Before that, Western Kentucky upset No. 4 Kentucky 64-52 at Rupp Arena on Nov. 15, 2001.

There have only been three meetings between Western Kentucky and Kentucky in the regular season. The two teams met in the 1990, 1992 and 2001 seasons.

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With Saturday night's 82-72 win over Louisville, the Hilltoppers are now 11-8 against Power Five programs over the course of the last five seasons.

The Hilltoppers took down Ole Miss 71-48 on Dec. 11 in the Holiday Hoopsgiving showcase in Atlanta followed by an 82-72 upset of Louisville at Diddle Arena.

Over the last four seasons, WKU has recorded a 4-1 record over SEC opponents in the last four seasons, routing an SEC team in each of the last four seasons.

WKU head coach and former Mississippi State head coach Rick Stansbury has posted a 144-117 all-time record against SEC teams, including a 4-13 record against the Wildcats.

Western Kentucky is headed to Lexington to take on No. 20 Kentucky this Wednesday night at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is at 5 p.m. CT. The game will be on ESPN.

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