Bowling Green, KY, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University’s men’s basketball team showcased a commanding performance against Kentucky Wesleyan, securing a decisive 82-43 victory at E.A. Diddle Arena. The win marks a promising start to their season, with all available players contributing to the score. Teagan Moore led with 11 points, while LJ Hackman and Bryant Selebangue each added 10. The Hilltoppers’ defense was impressive, forcing 22 turnovers and achieving 15 steals. Coach Hank Plona praised the team’s energy and teamwork as they look forward to their upcoming matchup against UAB.
Bowling Green
Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) men’s basketball team achieved a dominant victory against Kentucky Wesleyan in an exhibition game on October 21, 2025, at E.A. Diddle Arena, winning with a score of 82-43. This decisive win marks a successful start to the 2025-26 season for the Hilltoppers.
All 15 available WKU players scored during the game, apart from injured true freshman guard Lawson Rice, who is currently recovering from ACL surgery. Redshirt sophomore Teagan Moore led the scoring for the Hilltoppers with 11 points and contributed three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in just 17 minutes on the court. Junior guard LJ Hackman and graduate forward Bryant Selebangue each added 10 points to the team’s total.
The Hilltoppers displayed a balanced scoring approach with three players achieving double-digit scores. The game was competitive in the first half, where WKU held a narrow lead of 24-20 at one point. However, they surged ahead by executing a 12-4 run to end the half at 36-24.
Defensively, WKU showcased their strength, forcing 22 turnovers from Kentucky Wesleyan and achieving a remarkable 15 steals, with freshman guard Armelo Boone leading the way with three steals. Head Coach Hank Plona noted an improvement in the team’s defensive efforts during the second half and lauded the overall performance of his players.
In the second half, the Hilltoppers established their dominance, starting with a significant 14-2 run and effectively employing long-range shooting. They improved their shooting from beyond the arc, going 5-of-12 in the second half after struggling initially with a 1-of-12 performance in the first half. The starting lineup for WKU included graduate center Blaise Keita, junior guard Jack Edelen, and junior forward Louie Semona.
Looking ahead, the Hilltoppers are set to face UAB in their next exhibition game on October 29, 2025, at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Coach Plona expressed satisfaction with the energy and teamwork exhibited by the players throughout the game.
Game Summary
- Final Score: WKU 82, Kentucky Wesleyan 43
- Top Scorers: Teagan Moore (11 points), LJ Hackman (10 points), Bryant Selebangue (10 points)
- Steals Leader: Armelo Boone (3 steals)
- Next Game: October 29, 2025, vs. UAB
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the WKU vs. Kentucky Wesleyan game?
The final score was WKU 82, Kentucky Wesleyan 43.
Who were the top scorers for WKU in the exhibition game?
The top scorers for WKU were Teagan Moore with 11 points, and LJ Hackman and Bryant Selebangue, both contributing 10 points each.
How many players scored for WKU during the game?
All 15 available WKU players scored during the game, except for injured true freshman guard Lawson Rice.
When will WKU face UAB?
WKU will face UAB on October 29, 2025, at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
What was the defensive performance like for WKU?
WKU’s defense forced 22 turnovers and achieved 15 steals during the game.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | WKU 82, Kentucky Wesleyan 43 |
| Top Scorer | Teagan Moore – 11 points |
| Other Notable Scores | LJ Hackman – 10 points, Bryant Selebangue – 10 points |
| Turnovers Forced | 22 |
| Steals Achieved | 15 |
| Next Game | October 29, 2025, vs. UAB |
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Earn Exhibition Win Over Kentucky Wesleyan
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- WKU Herald: WKU Basketball Beats Kentucky Wesleyan
- Google Search: WKU Men’s Basketball
- BG Daily News: Tops Rout Panthers in Exhibition Debut
- Google Scholar: WKU Basketball
- WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Tune Up for 107th Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WKU Athletics
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