Preview: Western Kentucky at Kennesaw State

KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — A key Conference USA rematch awaits Wednesday night as the Kennesaw State Owls host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at the KSU Convocation Center.

The Owls (12-8, 4-3 CUSA) will look to complete a regular-season sweep after decisively beating the Hilltoppers (11-9, 3-4) 81-65 in Bowling Green on Jan. 17. In that game, Kennesaw State forward Frankquon Sherman recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring a performance that handed Western Kentucky one of its four losses in the last six games.

Both teams enter on two-game losing streaks. Western Kentucky fell 73-58 at Sam Houston on Saturday, despite 14 points from guard LJ Hackman. Kennesaw State dropped an 82-76 decision at Louisiana Tech last Friday, though Sherman was a bright spot with a season-high 20 points and seven rebounds.

Sherman has been a consistent force for the Owls, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds over his last eight contests. His interior presence will be a focal point against a Hilltopper squad that allowed 81 points in the previous meeting.

For Western Kentucky, reversing that result hinges on improved offensive execution and containing Sherman. Hackman, who scored 13 points in the first matchup, is coming off his most productive game in weeks but has been inconsistent. The Hilltoppers have shown a higher ceiling, evidenced by a 102-point outing earlier this month, but have struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses during their recent skid.

The game carries weight in the crowded middle of the Conference USA standings. Kennesaw State sits a game above .500 in league play, while Western Kentucky aims to climb back to an even record.

Kennesaw State holds a 5-3 edge at home this season. Western Kentucky is 3-5 in true road games.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.