Boxscore

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Colt Ryan scored a career-high 23 points, but Western Kentucky's big second half was the difference Tuesday night in the Hilltoppers' 63-57 win over the University of Evansville.

Ryan's 13 first half points, outstanding defense and just two turnovers led the Aces to a nine-point halftime lead at 37-28.  The Aces increased the margin to 10 at 40-30 before the Hilltoppers roared back behind junior forward Steffphon Pettigrew to eventually tie the game at 45.  WKU went up by five at 56-51 on Jeremy Evans' dunk with 5:13 to play.  Evansville cut the lead to one in the final 2:30 on free throws by Kavon Lacey, but never could regain the lead.  WKU outscored the Aces 35-20 in the second half.

Ryan hit nine of 19 field goal tries, including all four three-pointers that Evansville made.  Bryan Bouchie added nine points for 4-3 UE.  Pettigrew totaled 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the 4-3 Toppers.

With final exams beginning Thursday, the Aces have a nine-day break between games.  Their next one comes Thursday, Dec. 17 at home against Georgia Southern.