WKU traveled to the KFC Yum Center to take on the Louisville Cardinals in a classic battle for the state. The Hilltoppers came into this game 8-1, their best start in over a decade, but defensive struggles led to their demise, dropping their record to 8-2.

Dayvion McKnight led the way for the Hilltoppers with 25 points, five rebounds (all offensive), and two steals.

McKnight, being from Shelbyville, gave everything he had in this game from start to finish. He was playing with a different type of energy and aggressiveness that he can hopefully build off of in his next matchup. Jairus Hamilton also had a nice game for WKU, finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Offense wasn't the issue tonight, it was stopping this newly energized Louisville team, who looked completely different from any other game this season. The Cardinals offense was clicking from half-way through the first half to the end of the game. As I said above, Louisville looked like a whole new team against WKU, getting their first win of the season.

Coach Stansbury liked how his teamed played offensively, pointing out their 48 points in the second half and a rebounding total that was in their favor, but they couldn't find a way to contain Louisville's offense and it started with El Ellis.

Ellis finished the game with 30 points and 10 assists, leading all scorers. He knocked down big shot after big shot and the Hilltoppers had no answer.

IT WAS OVER WHEN: WKU was hanging around down the stretch, going basket for basket with the Cardinals, but to no avail as Louisville already had a double-digit lead for the whole second half. The Hilltoppers tried to incorporate a full court press and fouling the Cardinals to see if they gave them more opportunities, but Louisville was able to hit their free throws and take care of the ball in the last three minutes, which closed out their great night.

HE STOLE THE SHOW: Star PG Dayvion McKnight had another stellar performance, coming off a 32-point outing, McKnight was everywhere on the floor, playing great defense and getting to the basket at will. The Cardinals had a hard time keeping him out the paint the entire game. Senior Jairus Hamilton also is in contention for player of the game, ending with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. Hamilton wouldn't be denied of multiple rebounds around the big men for Louisville, and he had multiple dunks, one coming from off a put-back.

THE STAT DOESN'T LIE: The Hilltoppers have been one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country this season, but tonight they shot 34% from behind the arc, compared to Louisville's 52%, which was a very unexpected outcome. On top of that, WKU ended the game with eight made free throws and Louisville had more than double with 19. It's hard to win games when you can't get stops or play solid defense without fouling.

WHAT A PLAY: After some beautiful ball movement from WKU, Jairus Hamilton was able to find Jamarion Sharp on a lob right over the top of the defense to give them an early eight point lead over the Cardinals. Textbook offense at its finest right there.

THE BOTTOM LINE: WKU got off to a nice start, but they allowed Louisville to linger around, shifting the momentum back in their favor and they couldn't get it back. This Louisville team has struggled on the offensive end all season and they put up 94 points against the Hilltoppers. WKU will have to get better on the defensive end moving forward, because it may turn out to be their Achilles heel. The Hilltoppers will be back in action against South Carolina in Colonial Life Arena on December 22nd at 6:00 PM (CT).

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