Bracketology 2021: 10 biggest winners from opening month of season

5. Western Kentucky

Ever since Rick Stansbury arrived at Western Kentucky four years ago, the Hilltoppers have been recruiting at a high level and the talent has been there. Unfortunately, they’ve yet to put it together on the court and make an impact at the national level. Last season, they finished 2nd in Conference USA, but this could be the season it all comes together for Stansbury.

Western Kentucky played brilliantly at the crossover classic, knocking off Northern Iowa and Memphis before a tough, well-fought loss to West Virginia in the finals. They suffered a harsh loss at Louisville later, but scored solid wins against Rhode Island and at Alabama in the following weeks. At 7-2, the HIlltoppers will ride into conference play as the prohibitive favorite in Conference USA.

Those great performances in South Dakota have greatly risen their stock, while the play of Charles Bassey and Taveion Hollingsworth has been heroic and impactful. Bassey is shining this season after underperforming last season, and remains a force that the rest of the conference will struggle to contain.

It’s hard to say that this team could secure an at-large bid if they falter down the stretch, but its clear that this Western Kentucky team can play with nearly anybody when they are at their best.