Western Kentucky begins its 2026-27 men's basketball season Monday, Nov. 2, at E.A. Diddle Arena against Morehead State, with a 6:30 p.m. Central tipoff streaming on ESPN+, according to the Bowling Green Daily News and WNKY.
What's at Stake
The Hilltoppers open the regular season with back-to-back home games, hosting Morehead State on Nov. 2 and Kentucky Wesleyan on Nov. 5, the Daily News reported.
It is the third season for coach Hank Plona. His first two seasons combined for a 35-29 record, including 19-19 in Conference USA. Last season ended at 18-14 overall and 11-9 in league play, a third-place regular-season finish, before the No. 3 seed Hilltoppers lost 96-87 to No. 6 Kennesaw State in the CUSA Tournament quarterfinals, WKU Athletics reported. Teagan Moore led WKU that night with 27 points.
The Season Ahead
- WKU will play at least 10 nationally televised games, WNKY reported from the school's schedule release. The Tulsa game was later announced for ESPNU, per WKU Athletics.
- Early road tests include Tennessee Tech on Nov. 8 (2 p.m. CT, ESPN+) and Tulsa on Nov. 16, per WNKY.
- Conference play opens Dec. 31 at Kennesaw State (5 p.m. CT, ESPN2), according to WNKY.
Next Up
- Game: Morehead State at WKU
- When: Monday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. CT
- Where: E.A. Diddle Arena, Bowling Green
- Watch: ESPN+
- Tickets: Men's basketball season tickets start at $75 per seat plus an additional HAF donation, per WNKY's report of the school release. Tickets are available at 1-800-5-BIGRED. For single-game availability, check the team site.
Sources
- TV, tip-off slate set for Tops - Daily News on opener time and stream
- Television and tip times announced - full schedule, TV, tickets
- WKU-Tulsa to Air Nationally on ESPNU - national TV update
- WKU falls to Kennesaw State - last season's finish
- Hank Plona bio - coaching record
- 2026-27 nonconference schedule - home games
