USD Travels to Western Kentucky

The University of San Diego men’s basketball team will play Western Kentucky tonight at Diddle Arena in Bowling Green in the Toreros’ final tuneup before the start of West Coast Athletic Conference play next week.

This is the first meeting between the schools. Last season, Western Kentucky finished 15-13 to become only the 12th school to reach 1,200 victories. Entering the season, Western Kentucky’s 68.8% winning percentage (1,200-544 ) was fifth best all-time.

In 1988-89, Western Kentucky is 8-3, 6-2 at home. USD is 5-6, 2-4 on the road after Monday’s 75-57 loss to Utah in Salt Lake City.

The Toreros have shot miserably on the road this season, but never worse than against Utah. USD shot 32% (21-66) from the floor--21% (7-33) in the first half, when the Toreros fell behind, 39-22. USD set season-high marks for offensive, defensive and total rebounds (17, 28 and 45).

Center Dondi Bell was the only Torero in double-figure scoring with 12. Gylan Dottin continues to lead USD with 13.4 points per game. Sophomore forward Randy Thompson, a starter in the first four games, played for the first time (14 minutes, 4 points) in six games against Utah because of an ailing back.

The Hilltoppers are led by Brett McNeal, who is averaging 21.6 points and 5 assists. The senior guard is shooting 50% from the floor and 90% from the free-throw line (best in the Sun Belt Conference).