Western Kentucky Tops Sam Houston in High-Scoring Affair
Friday, January 2, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 102, Sam Houston Bearkats 91, 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 Sam Houston Bearkats vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat Sam Houston Bearkats 102-91 at E.A. Diddle Arena on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Sam Houston Bearkats vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at E.A. Diddle Arena, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defeated the Sam Houston Bearkats with a final score of 102-91. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 8-5, making this contest significant for establishing momentum in the season. The Hilltoppers showcased their offensive prowess, averaging 82.7 points in their last ten games, while the Bearkats had been even more prolific, scoring an average of 88.5 points over the same stretch.
Western Kentucky's recent form had been mixed, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, including a two-game losing streak prior to this victory. Their last five games reflected a slight dip in performance, with an average of 78.2 points scored and 75.0 points allowed. In contrast, Sam Houston had been on a better trajectory, winning 7 of their last 10 games and entering the contest on a one-game winning streak. Their scoring averages in the last five games were impressive, with 89.0 points scored and 76.4 points allowed.
At home, Western Kentucky had a record of 5-3, while Sam Houston's away record stood at 4-3. This game was crucial for both teams, as they aimed to solidify their positions in the league. The previous meetings between these two teams had resulted in a split, with Western Kentucky winning the earlier matchup 75-66 on January 25, 2025, and losing the most recent encounter 62-78 on February 21, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the absence of key players can often influence the outcome of such tightly contested games. The betting market had Western Kentucky favored by 5.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 168.5 points. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the teams' records and performances.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to scoring, contributing to a high total of points in the game. Both teams capitalized on offensive opportunities, leading to a fast-paced and entertaining contest. Viewers were treated to a display of skill, with notable plays such as driving layups and crucial free throws that shifted momentum in favor of the Hilltoppers as the game progressed.
As the game unfolded, Western Kentucky maintained control, particularly in the second half, where they extended their lead through effective scoring and defensive plays. Key moments included a series of free throws by Grant Newell and LJ Hackman, which helped push the Hilltoppers to a decisive victory. The final quarter saw Sam Houston attempt to rally back, but Western Kentucky's consistent scoring proved too much to overcome.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the offensive capabilities of both teams and set the stage for what could be an exciting remainder of the season for both the Hilltoppers and the Bearkats.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -5.5 | 168.5 o -108 / u -112 | Sam Houston Bearkats +195 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -238 |
Leaders
- PointsTeagan Moore28Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTeagan Moore3Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsArmelo Boone13Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsIsaiah Manning23Sam Houston Bearkats
- AssistsVeljko Ilic3Sam Houston Bearkats
- ReboundsVeljko Ilic12Sam Houston Bearkats
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L282.7 scored · 77.4 allowed per game5-3 at home
- L67-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 30
- L81-82vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 20
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
- L61-77at Marshall Thundering HerdDec 11
- W80-79vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 6
- 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
Sam Houston Bearkats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W188.5 scored · 74 allowed per game4-3 away
- W117-57vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 28
- L78-87at New Mexico State AggiesDec 21
- W85-75at Oregon State BeaversDec 18
- W82-70at Texas Southern TigersDec 6
- L83-93at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 3
- W94-68at Idaho VandalsNov 29
- W84-81at Idaho State BengalsNov 26
- W105-54vs Schreiner MountaineersNov 22
- W78-70vs Wyoming CowboysNov 20
- L79-85at Utah UtesNov 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sam Houston Bearkats | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-73 | 34-74 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 10-28 | 14-35 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 40 |
| Free throws | 13-19 | 20-27 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 22 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 17 |
| Steals | 10 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 64 | 33 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half60-63Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-63Veljko Ilic makes layup
- 2nd Half62-65Noah Boyde makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half62-67Armelo Boone makes layup (Teagan Moore assists)
- 2nd Half62-69Teagan Moore makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-69Kashie Natt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-69Kashie Natt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-69Veljko Ilic makes layup
- 2nd Half68-69Po'Boigh King makes layup (Kashie Natt assists)
- 2nd Half70-69Isaiah Manning makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-70Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half70-71Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half70-73Armelo Boone makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-74Noah Boyde makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-76Grant Newell makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-79Ryan Myers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Armelo Boone assists)
- 2nd Half73-79Isaiah Manning makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaxson Ford assists)
- 2nd Half73-81Armelo Boone makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half73-82Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-83Ryan Myers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-83Po'Boigh King makes layup (Veljko Ilic assists)
- 2nd Half75-85Armelo Boone makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half77-85Kashie Natt makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-87Teagan Moore makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half77-90Grant Newell makes 24-foot three point jumper (LJ Hackman assists)
- 2nd Half79-90Po'Boigh King makes layup
- 2nd Half79-92Teagan Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-92Justin Begg makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half81-93Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-94Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-94Isaiah Manning makes 27-foot three point jumper (Justin Begg assists)
- 2nd Half84-96Ryan Myers makes driving layup (Cam Haffner assists)
- 2nd Half86-96Kashie Natt makes layup
- 2nd Half86-97Grant Newell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-98Grant Newell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-99LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-100LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-100Justin Begg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half88-102LJ Hackman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half91-102Justin Begg makes 27-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Sam Houston Bearkats.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance3645
- OfficialsBarry Mathis, Derrick Dixon, James Curran
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