story by David Harten
PORTLAND,Ore. – This season, Western has played in nine games decided by five points or less, winning six. In all those games, the key word used by most players in victories was ‘composure’.
In the Toppers’ 76-72 victory over Illinois in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Rose Garden, composure was again a major topic, both positive and negative.
“It wasn’t great at times,” head coach Ken McDonald said. “It wasn’t good enough, and I think we’re going to learn from that. But the bottom line is, you finished the game out with some big plays. Anthony Sally made some big free throws right down the stretch that we needed. Illinois stepped up and made plays and tough shots.”
Early on, composure looked to be at a premium. The Toppers (25-8) went on a 17-4 run in a stretch of 5:19 midway through the first half to build a 27-13 lead and lead 37-28 at halftime.
Western opened the second half 3-for-4 from three-point range, with their lead peaking at 68-51 midway through the second half. Illinois (24-10) used an unexpected full-court press to stifle the Western offense and down the stretch, pulling with three at 71-68. Sally’s free throws sealed the victory in the final seconds.
Western was able to keep its composure in the final minutes at the free throw line. Making 5-of-6 free throws to seal the victory.
“That’s something that you have to have,” sophomore forward Sergio Kerusch said. “Often we say ‘we’ve been in this situation before,’ and composure is one of the biggest things you need. You can’t turn the ball over when you’re pressured, you have to hold on to it until you get fouled, so composure was a big factor in winning today’s game.”
The victory marks the second straight season that Western has won their first round game. Beating Drake 101-99 last season.
Unlike last season, when the Toppers defeated Drake and San Diego to get to the Sweet 16, Western beat a team from a major conference in Big Ten -affiliate Illinois. It’s an accomplishment that sophomore forward Steffphon Pettigrew sees more as a nod to Western’s consistency.
“We just trying to show what Western Kentucky is all about,” he said. “We’re going out there, putting on our shoes and playing just like any other team is playing. We just went out there, played with heart and we got the W.”
Five players scored in double figures for Western, led by Pettigrew 17 points. Kerusch added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
The Toppers will against have to test their composure Saturday night against fourth-seeded Gonzaga in the second round. The two teams played one another last season at the Great Alaskan Shootout, with Gonzaga winning 74-71. Tip-off is set for 7:10 pm.
Check wkuherald.com and the NCAA Tournament section leading up to Western’s game against Gonzaga in the second round for more coverage from Portland.