GAME NOTES: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers continue their three-game homestand tonight, as they host the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans in Sun Belt Conference play at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Toppers kicked off their homestand on a high note, as they defeated Arkansas State 77-68 on Sunday. It was the ninth win in as many tries at home this season for WKU, which improved to 16-5 overall and 8-1 in conference play. The Toppers, who are riding a six-game winning streak, will wrap up their home swing against Denver on Saturday. As for UALR, it was also in action on Sunday, when it downed Florida Atlantic, 80-76, at home. The win was the team's second in a row, improving it to 14-6 overall and 6-3 in league play. The Trojans now step away from home, where they have gone an even 4-4 thus far. With regard to the all-time series, WKU owns a 26-10 advantage over UALR and that includes a 14-4 mark when playing in Bowling Green.

The Trojans are more of a defensive team than anything, as they are limiting opposing clubs to just 61.0 ppg and only 39.5 percent shooting from the floor. UALR has also done a terrific job on the boards, outrebounding its foes by 7.0 rpg. Offensively, the Trojans don't have any big weapons to rely on, as Terrance Akins' 9.0 ppg average is tops on the roster. In the team's last game, UALR put forth one of its finest offensive performances of the season, shooting a 54.0 percent from the field in a win over FAU. The team connected on 7-of-17 long-range attempts, in addition to controlling the boards, 39-31. Mike Smith led the charge with 18 points, while Steven Moore had 14 points and five assists.

The Toppers are netting a solid 76.2 ppg this season and they are one of the better shooting teams in the SBC, hitting on 47.7 percent from the floor and 39.0 percent from beyond the arc. Courtney Lee is one of the premier players in the conference and he leads WKU in scoring (21.3 ppg), as well as steals (40). Tyrone Brazelton is a distant second at 12.9 ppg and he has been in charge of getting the ball to Lee, dishing out a team-high 3.6 apg. In the squad's previous contest, Lee poured in 33 points and Brazelton tallied 20, as WKU defeated Arkansas State. Lee finished the game 5-of-8 from long distance and 10-of-13 at the foul line. As a team, the Toppers shot 53.1 percent from the field, including an 8-of-21 performance from long distance.

The Hilltoppers have been unbeatable at home and they should be able to keep that trend going tonight behind another big showing from Lee and company.