Western Kentucky secured the third spot in the C-USA with an 8-8 record in conference play and a 20-11 overall record. Despite having comparable overall records, Sam Houston (21-11, 13-3 conference) and Louisiana Tech (22-10, 12-4 conference) claimed the No. 1 and 2 seeds in the Conference USA standings respectively. WKU could have boasted the best overall record in the conference, but their performance within the conference has been less than stellar this season.
Photo Cred: Western Kentucky University Athletics
They began the slate 2-3, with their most crucial defeat occurring on January 18th. WKU blew a 25-point lead against New Mexico State in the second half, ultimately losing 72-70. Although they rebounded and had an 8-4 record heading into the final games of the regular season, the Hilltoppers dropped all four remaining matchups, including three on the road. That would seal their fate in the conference standings.
Since that pivotal loss, there has been a clear difference maker: guard Don McHenry. From the season’s start until the game against the Aggies, McHenry only surpassed 20 points twice and typically maintained a 42.1% shooting percentage from the field. However, once conference play began, he appeared to elevate his performance to a new level, emerging as a significant contributor for the Tops.
Photo Cred: Jacob Grabeel III (#2 McHenry)
From February 1st to the 15th, the guard consistently scored at least 20 points in every game played, experiencing only one loss during that stretch. He even led Western Kentucky in scoring in two of their non-conference losses and three of their four early conference losses. However, during the team’s final four-game losing streak of the season, McHenry’s performance dipped, impacting WKU’s outcomes negatively.
In the eight games following McHenry’s one-point, three-assist stat line in the loss to NMSU, the Tops achieved a 6-2 record and usually achieved decisive victories. One of their losses was a heartbreaker to SHSU, which could’ve narrowed the gap in the conference standings, but they were able to beat the then-first seed LA Tech on their home court! Throughout most of these games, McHenry delivered efficient performances, highlighting his role as the team’s clear leader.
Photo Cred: Rivals.com (L- Tyrone Marshall Jr., R- McHenry)
Before February 24th, McHenry boasted a shooting percentage of 56.6% from the field. He typically records about three rebounds and assists per game, while his defensive prowess has generally been a masterclass. All three were on display, showcasing his versatility, and came at the perfect time in the final stretch of the season. In the eight-game stretch from January 20th to February 17th, opponents covered by McHenry struggled, averaging only around 13.3 PPG while shooting 35.75% from the field. He has been instrumental in dictating the game’s tempo and guided the Hilltoppers to much-needed victories.
Before February 24th, McHenry boasted a shooting percentage of 56.6% from the field. He typically records about three rebounds and assists per game, while his defensive prowess has generally been a masterclass. All three were on display, showcasing his versatility, and came at the perfect time in the final stretch of the season. In the eight-game stretch from January 20th to February 17th, opponents covered by McHenry struggled, averaging only around 13.3 PPG while shooting 35.75% from the field. He has been instrumental in dictating the game’s tempo and guided the Hilltoppers to much-needed victories.
Photo Cred: X.com
