basketball

WKU MBB Unveils 2024-25 Non-Conference Schedule

August 19, 2024

Photos from the Men's Basketball game between Kentucky State University vs Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Kentucky - Photos taken by the lovely Patrica Joy with Patrica Joy Photography https://www.facebook.com/lovelypatrica -

WKU men’s basketball and head coach Hank Plona have announced the non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season. The Hilltoppers will play nine home games at Diddle Arena, starting with the season opener against Wichita State on November 4, and will also face four significant road challenges at Grand Canyon, Kentucky, Evansville, and Michigan.

Key Highlights of the 2024-25 Non-Conference Schedule:

Season Opener: WKU will tip off the season at home against Wichita State on November 4.
Road Debut: The Hilltoppers’ first road game will be against Grand Canyon in Phoenix, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Grand Canyon is coming off a WAC Tournament title and a victory over No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s in the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament.
In-State Showdown: WKU will travel to Lexington to face Kentucky on November 26 at Rupp Arena. The teams last met on December 22, 2021, with the Wildcats securing a home win. WKU holds a 2-5 all-time record against Kentucky, with their last win in the series dating back to 2001 in Lexington.
Historic Rivalries:
WKU will host Murray State on December 14, marking the 154th meeting between the two programs. The Hilltoppers hold a 99-54 advantage in the series, which dates back to 1932.
WKU will also welcome former CUSA rival Marshall on November 30. The Hilltoppers have a 22-12 all-time edge in the series and are on a seven-game winning streak against the Herd.
New Opponents:
WKU will host Seattle on December 17, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
The non-conference schedule will conclude with a road game against Michigan on December 29 in Ann Arbor. WKU has a 2-3 all-time record against the Wolverines, including a 73-69 victory in the 2008 Great Alaska Shootout.

Coach Plona’s Vision:

“We are excited about the schedule we’ve been able to put together for our players and our fans,” said head coach Hank Plona. “Our players wanted to be challenged and play some of the best teams in the country, and we scheduled with that mindset. We want to know where we stack up heading into league play.”

Plona, in his first season leading the Hilltoppers, aims to build on WKU’s success from the 2023-24 season, which included winning the Conference USA Tournament and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.

Home Court Advantage:

“I know our fans are excited about the season, and having 18 games in Diddle Arena overall will be outstanding for our community,” Plona added. “I hope that every single home game becomes an event and the thing to do on that day or night. Our players feed off of the energy in Diddle, and I cannot stress how important each and every person is to our success.”

Full Non-Conference Schedule: