i like this one also. this game use to be big. here's an article from the richmond paper:
Colonels, Hilltoppers set to renew long, storied rivalry
By Chris Hoffman/Register Sports Writer
On the gridiron it's one of biggest and most storied rivalries in the state.
But while the football showdown between Western Kentucky University and Eastern Kentucky University is one of the biggest games on each team's schedule, the long and often heated basketball rivalry between the two in-state schools has been put on hold in recent years.
After more than 150 all-time meetings in a series that dates back to 1914, the two teams haven't played in a decade.
That rivalry will be renewed today when the Colonels travel to Bowling Green to take on the Hilltoppers.
Game time is set for 8 p.m. at Diddle Arena.
"I think the schools are rivals, no doubt about it," EKU coach Travis Ford said. "I know that the basketball teams haven't played in a long time but this is a game which could start that rivalry back up. This is a battle of two undefeated teams and this could be the beginning of something fun and I think will be a good game for the fans."
Western Kentucky defeated the Colonels 82-77 in Richmond in 1994 the last time the two rivals met. This will be the first time since 1992 that EKU has played in Diddle Arena.
The Hilltoppers lead the all-time series 110-42.
Many things have changed since that last in-state showdown, but the rivalry is still emotional for players, fans and coaches at both schools. The game should also be a good early test for two programs off to fast starts.
"They are a very talented team," Ford said. "They probably have some more experience in some areas as far as guys that have been in their program. They are a little bit deeper than we are. Western Kentucky is very aggressive on offense and defense. They play with high energy and intensity and that will present an incredible challenge for us. We will need to play very well to win this game."
The Hilltoppers (5-0) are led by the guard duo of Antonio Haynes and sophomore Anthony Winchester, who average 17 and 16.4 points per game, respectively. WKU's offense is triggered by their defense, which has forced 111 turnovers so far this season. Forwards Courtney Lee and Elgrace Wilborn, who transferred from Tennessee, are the Hilltoppers' inside presence, with Lee averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 rebounds a game. Wilborn had a breakthrough game against Murray State, scoring 13 points and pulling down 11 rebounds in WKU's 82-72 victory.
"Their strength is their guard play," Ford said. "Yeah, they can shoot the three from very long range but they really break you down one-on-one. That is what their offense is centered around. That is going to present a great challenge for us in order for us to move our feet and keep our man in front of us."
The Colonels (5-0) are off to their best start in 55 years and the newcomers and unselfish play have been a major factor. Junior Alonzo Hird has come into his own of late, averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds in the last two games. The center posted his first double-double of the season against Coastal Carolina, with 17 points and 11 boards and had a season-high five blocked shots. Jason McLeish scored a season-high 19 points in the game against the Chanticleers.
"Alonzo and Jason put them on their backs against Coastal Carolina," Ford said. "We were playing a team in a must-win situation and in their home opener. We sustained a very good game from them and one of the reasons we were able to do that was because Jason made really big-time shots. Alonzo rebounded the ball really well and made some good post moves. Those two came along when we needed them."
