Western Kentucky Edges Delaware in Overtime Thriller
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Bob Carpenter Center
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 88, Delaware Blue Hens 87, 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 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Delaware Blue Hens?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat Delaware Blue Hens 88-87 at Bob Carpenter Center on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Delaware Blue Hens?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a nail-biting finish, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers triumphed over the Delaware Blue Hens with a final score of 88-87 after overtime at the Bob Carpenter Center. This closely contested matchup showcased the resilience of both teams, but ultimately, the Hilltoppers emerged victorious in a game that was marked by intense back-and-forth scoring.
The Blue Hens entered the game with a record of 9-17, while the Hilltoppers boasted a stronger 15-11 record. Delaware had been showing some signs of improvement, winning three consecutive games leading up to this clash, which included victories against Missouri State and Florida International. During their last ten games, the Blue Hens recorded a 4-6 mark, averaging 68.6 points scored and allowing 73.4 points per game. Their home record stood at 1-3 in that span, while they performed better away with a 3-3 record.
Western Kentucky, on the other hand, had a mixed recent form with a 5-5 record over their last ten games. They were riding a two-game winning streak, having defeated Middle Tennessee and Florida International. The Hilltoppers averaged 70.9 points scored and allowed 71.1 points during this stretch. Their away performance was slightly weaker, with a 2-2 record, compared to their home record of 3-3.
The odds for this matchup, provided by DraftKings, had Western Kentucky favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 139.5. The moneyline odds indicated Delaware at +160 and Western Kentucky at -192, reflecting the Hilltoppers' status as the favorites.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that both teams were evenly matched. The scoring was tight throughout, leading to an overtime period after the teams were tied at the end of regulation. In the overtime, Ryan Myers hit a crucial 26-foot three-point jumper to tie the game at 83, followed by a driving layup from Christian Bliss that put Delaware ahead 85-83. However, the Hilltoppers responded quickly, with Teagan Moore making a layup to tie the game again at 85.
The final moments of the overtime were tense, with both teams trading free throws. Christian Bliss made two free throws to give Delaware a brief lead, but Myers' free throws sealed the game for Western Kentucky, resulting in a thrilling conclusion to the contest.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams had been managing their rosters as the season progressed. The conditions at the Bob Carpenter Center were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Viewers should have noted the strategic plays from both coaches, particularly in the overtime period where every possession counted. The game highlighted the importance of clutch shooting and free-throw accuracy, as both teams capitalized on opportunities to score from the line.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit of college basketball, with Western Kentucky narrowly escaping with a hard-fought victory over Delaware.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -4.5 | 139.5 o -112 / u -108 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -192 · Delaware Blue Hens +160 |
Leaders
- PointsChristian Bliss24Delaware Blue Hens
- AssistsChristian Bliss9Delaware Blue Hens
- ReboundsJustyn Fernandez6Delaware Blue Hens
- PointsTeagan Moore27Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTerrion Murdix8Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsBlaise Keita8Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Recent form
Delaware Blue Hens
Last 10: 4-6Streak W368.6 scored · 73.4 allowed per game1-3 at home
- W76-67at Missouri State BearsFeb 14
- W68-66at Florida International PanthersFeb 13
- W89-88vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 7
- L69-75vs Liberty FlamesFeb 5
- L55-70at UTEP MinersFeb 1
- W73-64at New Mexico State AggiesJan 29
- L51-67at Liberty FlamesJan 24
- L68-97vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 17
- L69-70vs UTEP MinersJan 16
- L68-70at Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 10
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W270.9 scored · 71.1 allowed per game2-2 away
- W82-80vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersFeb 15
- W80-70vs Florida International PanthersFeb 7
- L66-71vs Jacksonville State GamecocksFeb 6
- W65-60at Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersJan 31
- L69-72at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 29
- L58-73at Sam Houston BearkatsJan 24
- L69-76vs Liberty FlamesJan 22
- L65-81vs Kennesaw State OwlsJan 17
- W87-72vs Missouri State BearsJan 15
- W68-56at UTEP MinersJan 10
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 | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | Delaware Blue Hens |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-57 | 26-50 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 8-22 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 36 |
| Free throws | 25-31 | 27-34 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 23 |
| Assists | 18 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 34 |
| Fouls | 21 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 3 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half57-61Christian Bliss makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-62Christian Bliss makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-62Teagan Moore makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half59-64Tyler Houser makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Christian Bliss assists)
- 2nd Half59-66Christian Bliss makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-66LJ Hackman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-68Macon Emory makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-68LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-69Alex Kazanecki makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-69Armelo Boone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-69Armelo Boone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-71Houston Emory makes 6-foot dunk (Macon Emory assists)
- 2nd Half66-71Teagan Moore makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half67-71Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-71Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-71Armelo Boone makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half71-74Alex Kazanecki makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christian Bliss assists)
- 2nd Half72-74Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-75Macon Emory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Macon Emory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Houston Emory makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-77LJ Hackman makes layup
- 2nd Half76-77LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-78Christian Bliss makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-79Christian Bliss makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-79Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half78-79Ryan Myers makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half79-79Ryan Myers makes free throw 3 of 3
- OT79-81Justyn Fernandez makes driving layup (Christian Bliss assists)
- OT80-81LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT80-83Christian Bliss makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- OT83-83Ryan Myers makes 26-foot three point jumper (Terrion Murdix assists)
- OT83-85Christian Bliss makes driving layup
- OT85-85Teagan Moore makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- OT86-85Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT86-86Christian Bliss makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT86-87Christian Bliss makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-87Ryan Myers makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT88-87Ryan Myers makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Delaware Blue Hens, below favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
Venue
- Bob Carpenter CenterNewark, DE
- Attendance2250
- OfficialsBharat Ramnanan, Shane Land, Devyn Page
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