LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- David Boyden scored 15 points and Chris Marcus added 13 and 10 rebounds Thursday night as Western Kentucky posted a shocking 64-52 triumph over third-ranked Kentucky in the opening round of the NABC Classic.
The win was the second for Western Kentucky in five meetings with the Wildcats. Ranked in the top 40 by several media outlets and in the top 20 by one national publication, the Hilltoppers dominated the second half and handed Kentucky just its 18th loss in 99 season openers.
Western Kentucky (1-0) will face George Washington on Friday night in the final. George Washington edged Marshall, 69-64, in the other opening-round matchup.
Boyden had 11 points in the opening half as Western Kentucky grabbed a 32-30 edge at the break. The Hilltoppers opened the second half with a 17-6 burst.
Kentucky got no closer than six points in the final three minutes.
After shooting 41 percent in the first half, things got worse for the Wildcats after intermission. Kentucky made just eight of 29 shots and missed all nine of its three-point attempts.
Kentucky was two of 18 from beyond the arc overall, committed 20 turnovers and missed half of their 24 free throws.
Western Kentucky missed half of its 20 free-throw attempts and committed 19 turnovers, but beat Kentucky on the boards, 40-38.
Kentucky will face Marshall in Friday night's consolation game.
