Kerusch leads Western Kentucky past Troy 77-58

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Sergio Kerusch had 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead Western Kentucky to a 77-58 win over Troy on Saturday night.

After losing six straight games, the Hilltoppers (7-11, 2-4 Sun Belt Conference) have now won two in a row.

Western Kentucky scored the last seven points of the first half to go up 41-30 at the break. Kerusch had 15 points in the first period to lead all scorers.

The Trojans (4-15, 2-5) shot just 9 of 35 in the second half as the Hilltoppers were able to put the game away, leading by as many as 25 points.

Kerusch came into the game as the Sun Belt's leading scorer in conference games with 19.8 points per game. Five of his 10 rebounds came on the offensive end as he posted his fifth double-double of the year.

Western Kentucky had a decisive edge on the glass, outrebounding the Trojans 51-35. Five Hilltoppers had at least seven rebounds.

Western Kentucky also had 19 assists, the most since the Hilltoppers poured in 26 in their first game of the season against Saint Joseph's.

The Trojans shot early and often from behind the 3-point line, but finished the game making only 8 of 34 attempts, while the Hilltoppers were 5 of 17.

Juan Pattillo and Steffphon Pettigrew each had 12 points and combined for 18 rebounds. Jamal Crook came off the bench and had eight points as well as career highs in rebounds (eight) and assists (nine).

Vernon Taylor led Troy with 20 points.