The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers suffered their first loss of the season on Wednesday in a dramatic overtime showdown, falling 88–87 to South Florida at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. The closely contested matchup unfolded at the Imperial Arena in Paradise Island, Bahamas, where both programs delivered intense early-season drama.
The defeat marks a tough opening to the prestigious Thanksgiving-week tournament for the Hilltoppers, who showed resilience and competitive fire but ultimately came up one possession short.
South Florida’s Late Surge Flips the Script
Western Kentucky controlled the first half with strong offensive rhythm and relentless defensive execution, taking a 50–40 lead into the break. Head coach Steve Lutz’s squad appeared poised to extend their undefeated run with efficient ball movement and interior dominance.
But South Florida changed the momentum in the second half. The Bulls tightened their defense, forcing turnovers and limiting WKU’s perimeter looks. They responded with a powerful offensive push, outscoring the Hilltoppers 44–34 in the final 20 minutes of regulation to tie the game and force overtime.
The extra period remained neck-and-neck, with both teams trading crucial baskets and defensive stops. Ultimately, South Florida’s composure under pressure was the difference, as they secured the one-point win with clutch execution in the closing seconds.
Teagan Moore Shines Despite the Loss
Western Kentucky standout Teagan Moore delivered a phenomenal performance, leading all scorers with 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Moore repeatedly attacked the lanes and converted 8 of 9 free throws, keeping WKU alive during critical stretches.
Bryant Selebangue also played a key role for the Hilltoppers, recording 10 rebounds and providing strong interior defense. His rebounding battle helped keep WKU competitive against South Florida’s multi-faceted scoring attack.
Despite these efforts, the Hilltoppers could not counter the Bulls’ late-game balance. South Florida spread their scoring across the rotation, making them difficult to contain as momentum shifted.
Lessons Ahead for Western Kentucky
This overtime heartbreaker provides an early-season test and a measuring point for a Western Kentucky team looking to establish itself among top mid-major contenders. The Hilltoppers proved they can compete at a high level on a national stage—but the loss also highlights areas for improvement in finishing close games and maintaining defensive control late.
With the tournament continuing this week, WKU has little time to dwell. They will regroup and look to rebound in their next Battle 4 Atlantis matchup as they continue building a competitive resume.
The Hilltoppers now sit at (record after loss, implied first loss of season) and remain focused on long-term growth with conference play still ahead.
