Western Kentucky forward Leeroy Odiahi (21) is defended by Sam Houston guard Josiah Hammons (57) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) defends Western Kentucky guard Don McHenry (2) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky guard Jalen Jackson (3) is defended by Sam Houston guard Brennen Burns (0) and Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky forward Blaise Keita (1) is defended by Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) hangs from the basket during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky guard Braxton Bayless (0) is defended by Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky guard Braxton Bayless (0) drives to the basket during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. (24) is defended at the goal by Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) as Western Kentucky guard Don McHenry (2) watches during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Head Coach Hank Plona watches his team play against Sam Houston State University on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky forward Leeroy Odiahi (21) grabs a rebound while Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) defends during Western Kentucky’s 78-62 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.

Western Kentucky guard Jack Edelen (15) and Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) reach for a loose ball during Western Kentucky’s 78-62 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.

Western Kentucky guard Braxton Bayless (0) puts up a shot over Sam Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (34) and Sam Houston guard Josiah Hammons (57) during Western Kentucky’s 78-62 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.

Western Kentucky forward Blaise Keita (1) looks to pass during Western Kentucky’s 78-62 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.

Western Kentucky forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. (24) and Western Kentucky guard Enoch Kalambay (23) react during Western Kentucky’s 78-62 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.

Western Kentucky forward Blaise Keita (1) defends Sam Houston guard Erik Taylor (12) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky forward Tyrone Marshall Jr. (24) defends Sam Houston guard Lamar Wilkerson (3) during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky guard Enoch Kalambay (23) drives to the basket during WKU’s 78-62 home loss against Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20. (JACK DOBBS / Daily News)

Western Kentucky forward Leeroy Odiahi (21) and Western Kentucky guard Enoch Kalambay (23) attempt to grab a rebound during Western Kentucky’s 78-62 loss to Sam Houston on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Ky.