TideSports.com - WKU Bumbles From The Start In 82-62 Blowout

December 1, 2010

Jason Stamm
InsideHilltopperSports.com

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.--- What could go wrong, did.

From the outset, WKU could get into no rhythm. It was a turnover here, an airball there. At one point, the Toppers had 15 turnovers and only 13 points.

It all added up to a miserable night.

Vanderbilt led throughout the entire game in defeating WKU 82-62.

"We were, for whatever reason when the lights came on, just didn't really play as a team," coach Ken McDonald said. "Too many very, very careless turnovers for no reason. I didn't thin Vanderbilt had some incredible pressure defense, we were just throwing the ball away like it didn't mean anything. That's disappointing."

Flat might not even begin to describe the night by the Toppers. The only good thing was that the Commodores had turnover problems as well. But it was WKU's that caused more damage.

"We prepared hard the last couple of days and we came out with no pride and no sense of urgency, no energy," senior forward Juan Pattillo said. "Our effort was terrible and we just didn't compete tonight."

Vanderbilt scorched the nets though, shooting 11-23 on three-pointers, 52.6 percent overall. By contrast, WKU shot just 28.6 percent in the first half, 40 percent for the game.

Pattillo led WKU with 18 points, while senior forward Sergio Kerusch and sophomore guard Caden Dickerson each added 12 points. WKU came out with some energy in the second half, but never cut an 18-point halftime deficit to less than 14 points.

"In the first few minutes, we got down and hung our heads," Kerusch said. "In a basketball game, when you make a few mistakes, you can't afford to hang your heads. That trickled over and had an effect throughout the whole game."

Worst of all, McDonald said he felt for the WKU fans that made the trek south from Bowling Green.

"We have to figure out what buttons to push and how to make sure we're coming out with the energy and the passion we need to represent our school the right way," he said. "I'm mostly disappointed in that. I told the guys, anyone that came down, I'm gonna write them a check for the gas money. It's not right."

It's been a start to the season the Toppers would soon forget, but the rough stretch isn't over. WKU travels to Memphis on Saturday in what promises to be another tough game.

"No offense, but this game is over," Kerusch said. "You go watch the film, see what you can do better as an offensive player and defensive player as a team and you get ready for the next game. I believe we're not gonna let this burden us for the next game. The next game's gonna be a new game and a new team."

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