Western Kentucky Edges Evansville in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 80, Evansville Purple Aces 79, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Evansville Purple Aces vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat Evansville Purple Aces 80-79 at E.A. Diddle Arena on December 6, 2025.
Who was favored in Evansville Purple Aces vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -850 (about 89% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers narrowly defeated the Evansville Purple Aces with a final score of 80-79 at E.A. Diddle Arena. This victory improves Western Kentucky's record to 7-2, while Evansville falls to 4-7. The game showcased an intense back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times throughout the contest.
Western Kentucky entered the game with a home record of 6-2 and had recently shown a strong performance, winning their last game against Wichita State Shockers with a score of 75-70. Over their last ten games, they have a record of 6-4, averaging 80.3 points scored and allowing 76.9 points per game. Their recent form has included a scoring average of 87.2 points in their last five games, indicating a potent offensive capability.
On the other hand, the Evansville Purple Aces came into the game with a 4-6 record, having won their previous matchup against Ball State Cardinals 64-52. They have struggled this season, with an average of 67.5 points scored and 71.0 points allowed over their last ten games. Their recent form shows a record of 2-3 in the last five games, with an average of 66.2 points scored and 76.0 points allowed.
The game was marked by significant momentum swings, particularly in the second half. Key scoring plays included a layup by Keishon Porter that brought Evansville within two points at 75-73 and a three-point jumper by Ryan Myers that extended Western Kentucky's lead to 80-75. However, Evansville's AJ Casey made a two-point tip shot to close the gap to just one point, but it was not enough to secure the win.
In terms of home and away performances, Western Kentucky has shown a strong home advantage with a 5-4 record at home this season, while Evansville's away record stands at 1-2. This home court edge was evident in the crowd's energy and support during the game.
The teams had met once before this season, with Western Kentucky winning that encounter 79-65 in Evansville. This victory further solidified their dominance in the series, now leading 2-0 in the current season.
Injury reports indicated that both teams were relatively healthy heading into this matchup, which allowed for a competitive game without significant absences impacting the lineup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Western Kentucky favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 147.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Western Kentucky's ability to win, as indicated by their moneyline of -850, while Evansville's moneyline stood at 575.
Conditions at E.A. Diddle Arena were favorable for basketball, with a lively atmosphere that contributed to the intensity of the game. Fans witnessed a thrilling contest that kept them on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
As the game concluded, Western Kentucky's ability to execute crucial plays in the closing moments proved decisive, allowing them to secure a narrow victory over Evansville. The Hilltoppers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while the Purple Aces will seek to improve their performance in upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -11.5 | 147.5 o -112 / u -108 | Evansville Purple Aces +575 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -850 |
Leaders
- PointsRyan Myers27Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsBryant Selebangue4Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsBryant Selebangue12Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsLeif Moeller21Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsKeishon Porter5Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsConnor Turnbull8Evansville Purple Aces
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W180.3 scored · 76.9 allowed per game5-4 at home
- W75-70vs Wichita State ShockersNov 29
- L91-97vs South Florida BullsNov 27
- L78-83vs Vanderbilt CommodoresNov 26
- W97-67vs Bethel (TN) WildcatsNov 19
- W95-82vs Tennessee State TigersNov 16
- W87-79at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 11
- W82-70vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 4
- L61-64vs Florida International PanthersMar 12
- L61-90vs Liberty FlamesMar 8
- W76-67vs Florida International PanthersMar 7
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 4-6Streak W167.5 scored · 71 allowed per game1-2 away
- W64-52vs Ball State CardinalsDec 4
- L59-78vs Charleston CougarsNov 24
- L59-97vs Akron ZipsNov 24
- W73-69at Oregon State BeaversNov 22
- L76-84vs UT Arlington MavericksNov 19
- L72-77vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 13
- W76-47vs Oakland City Mighty OaksNov 9
- W92-50vs Calumet St. Joseph Crimson WaveNov 7
- L51-82at Purdue BoilermakersNov 4
- L53-74at Murray State RacersMar 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Evansville Purple Aces | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-59 | 27-62 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 14-32 | 9-20 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 45 |
| Free throws | 13-23 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 16 |
| Steals | 4 | 10 |
| Blocks | 11 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 12 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 43 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-50Bryant Selebangue made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half38-51Teagan Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-52Teagan Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-53Teagan Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-54Teagan Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half41-54Alex Hemenway made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Keishon Porter.
- 2nd Half41-57Ryan Myers made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Armelo Boone.
- 2nd Half42-57Alex Hemenway made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half43-57Alex Hemenway made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-57Leif Moeller made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by AJ Casey.
- 2nd Half46-59Bryant Selebangue made Layup. Assisted by Armelo Boone.
- 2nd Half46-61Bryant Selebangue made Dunk. Assisted by Armelo Boone.
- 2nd Half49-61Leif Moeller made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Alex Hemenway.
- 2nd Half49-63Teagan Moore made Layup. Assisted by Ryan Myers.
- 2nd Half49-64Teagan Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-64Connor Turnbull made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-64Connor Turnbull made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-66LJ Hackman made Jumper. Assisted by Teagan Moore.
- 2nd Half54-66Leif Moeller made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Keishon Porter.
- 2nd Half54-68Armelo Boone made Layup.
- 2nd Half57-68Alex Hemenway made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by AJ Casey.
- 2nd Half57-70Noah Boyde made Layup. Assisted by Teagan Moore.
- 2nd Half60-70Leif Moeller made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Alex Hemenway.
- 2nd Half62-70James Dyson-Merwe made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half63-70Joshua Hughes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-70Joshua Hughes made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-73LJ Hackman made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-74Ryan Myers made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-75Ryan Myers made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half66-75Leif Moeller made Layup.
- 2nd Half68-75Leif Moeller made Jumper.
- 2nd Half71-75AJ Casey made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Leif Moeller.
- 2nd Half73-75Keishon Porter made Layup.
- 2nd Half73-76LJ Hackman made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half73-77LJ Hackman made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-77Connor Turnbull made Jumper. Assisted by Leif Moeller.
- 2nd Half75-80Ryan Myers made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Bryant Selebangue.
- 2nd Half76-80Keishon Porter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-80Keishon Porter made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half79-80AJ Casey made Two Point Tip Shot.
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Evansville Purple Aces.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance3247
- OfficialsWil Howard, R.B. Clyburn, James Curran
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