Western Kentucky at South Alabama

The Hilltoppers have long dominated the Sun Belt Conference but S. Alabama may have something to say about all that this season. The Jags have it all. A go-to scorer in Demetric Bennett (20.0 ppg), a competent experienced PG in Daon Bennett (5.2 apg), a glass eater in DeAndre Coleman (8.3 rpg in just 25 min. per game), and 3pt shooters in Domonic Tilford (42.5%) and B.J. Ford (41.25). The defense allows just 40% shooting, and 32% from three. There is certainly no intimidation factor here as S. Alabama has ruled W. Kentucky at home, winning six of seven this decade. The lone loss was by a single point, so this truly has been a house of horrors for the Hilltoppers. S. Alabama established they can play with anyone, even on the road, as they lost to 14-0 Vandy by 3 in OT, and 13-0 Mississippi by 3. W. Kentucky has done well but numbers are down. All five starters return, with most going backward, not forward, and they don't have a single player averaging even 5rpg. They also bring in a negative assist to turnover ratio, and from an experienced team, they aren't sharing and moving the bal well, and the commitment on the defensive end is lacking, allowing 45%, and 37% from three. S. Alabama at this point in the season, is the better team, and has a statement to make here. We like them to top the Toppers at home.