Crook boosts Western Kentucky over IUPUI 77-57

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Jamal Crook had 25 points and nine assists to lead Western Kentucky over IUPUI 77-57 for a nonconference victory Saturday.

The win was the sixth straight for the Hilltoppers (8-2), who are off to their best start since beginning 2006-07 8-2.

Crook was 11 of 17 from the field and also had a pair of steals. George Fant added 13 points for the Hilltoppers, and Brandon Harris had nine points on three 3-pointers and eight rebounds as Western Kentucky outrebounded the Jaguars (3-8) 35-28.

Ian Chiles and Jordan Shanklin led IUPUI with 13 points each, with Shanklin hitting 4 of 6 from 3-point range.

The Jaguars shot 36.4 percent (20 of 55) from the field against Western Kentucky, which entered leading the Sun Belt in defensive shooting percentage at 39.2.

The Hilltoppers shot 55.8 percent (29 of 52) from the field and 38.1 percent (8 of 21) from 3.