12/9/2023 basketball Edit

WKU prevails in road showdown, defeating Buffalo 82-65

WKU junior guard Don McHenry during the Hilltoppers' matchup with Campbellsville. (Wyatt Richardson/WKU Athletics)

Drew Toennies • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

Western Kentucky (7-3) prevailed on the road in Saturday afternoon's matchup at Alumni Arena, securing an 82-65 victory over Buffalo (1-9) thanks to consistency on both sides of the floor in both frames of play.

With the commanding win over the Bulls, the Hilltoppers have tied the all-time series 1-1, avenging a 77-67 loss to Buffalo at E.A. Diddle Arena in the 2021-22 campaign.

The Hilltoppers were explosive from start to finish, racing away with a 20-6 lead early on in the first half, entering the locker room with a 44-23 halftime advantage. Western Kentucky would go on to put things away in the second frame of play.

Western Kentucky shot 43.9% (29-66) from field goal range, 24.0% (6-25) from beyond the arc and 62.1% (18-29) from the free throw line. The Hilltoppers additionally won the rebounding battle 48-42 over the Bulls in the team's seventh win of the season.

WKU junior guard Don McHenry was a gamechanger for the Hilltoppers once again, dropping 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

Also establishing himself was WKU redshirt senior guard Brandon Newman, who recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

WKU junior guard Enoch Kalambay made his presence known for the Hilltoppers too, collecting nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Another Hilltopper to put up strong numbers was junior forward Babacar Faye, who earned nine points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.

Buffalo finished up the matchup with 36.6% (26-71) shooting from the floor, 14.7% (5-34) shooting from three-point range and 80.0% (8-10) shooting from the free throw line.

Leading the Bulls on the scoreboard was Buffalo fifth year forward Sy Chatman, who picked up 21 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and five blocks.

Buffalo freshman guard Anquan Boldin Jr. recorded 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

Freshman guard Ryan Sabol also contributed for the Bulls, dropping 12 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block.

Western Kentucky is set to continue it's road swing next week, heading to Dayton, OH. on Tuesday, Dec. 12th to face off against Wright State. The opening tipoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN+.

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