Western Kentucky dug itself a 22-point hole Friday, rallied almost all the way back and had its chances to start the 2017-18 season with a victory.
But a talented Missouri State team turned away the Hilltoppers in an 85-80 Bears win at E.A. Diddle Arena.
WKU never led or tied the game Friday after MSU scored the night’s opening basket. The Toppers fell behind 26-4 in the first eight minutes, cut the deficit to 11 points by halftime and then trimmed the margin to three points – one possession – less than three minutes into the second half.