February 4, 2008
Red Hot Red
by Cortney Basham

The WKU men and women’s basketball teams are a combined 21-1 since Christmas.  Please read that last statement again and let the rarity of it settle into your brain.  Tennessee’s programs can say this, but I am not sure if any other program in the country can claim this at the moment.  Things are warming up on the Hill, and more specifically, in Diddle Arena.

While the men are tied with South Alabama atop the standings, recent coaches of Topper opponents have heaped praise on them, calling them the best team of the league.  Steve Shields of UALR and Joe Scott of Denver both said so this week.  The Tops control their own destiny, as they have a home date with South Alabama looming on Thursday, February 21, in Diddle.  Also note that the South Alabama game is Faith and Family night at Diddle, so ask your church how you can get $5 tickets! That’s right…FIVE DOLLARS for the biggest home game of the year.  WKU Students are also attempting to get fans to “white out” South Alabama by wearing white shirts to the game.  Please do your part by 1) buying a ticket and 2) wearing white to the game.  If the rest of the season plays out as expected, this game will likely determine the Belt’s regular season champion and #1 East Seed for the Sun Belt tournament.  If your church is unaware of this promotion, email me at bracketboard@gmail.com or contact WKU Athletics Marketing at 270-745-6048 for more details.

On the women’s side, all one has to do is look at the standings: the Lady Tops are two games clear of everyone in the league and are riding a 12-game winning streak.  Even if the Lady Toppers falter at Middle Tennessee, they will still control their own destiny.  The Lady Raiders are formidable again this season, but they are stuck with having to beat WKU and hoping for another stumble along the way to even earn a tie.

There is some fantastic basketball happening in your hometown.  If you are not watching these teams in Diddle, you are missing some great hoops, players, teams, and environment. 

NEXT HOME GAMES

Men

Wednesday, February 13 vs Troy

Women

Thursday, February 14 vs. Troy

<