A 12-0 run to start the game help gave the Toppers their first win of the season in tonight’s 62-48 victory against Campbellsville.

Despite being outscored 32-28 in the second half and seeing the lead get as low as nine points twice, Western rode that strong start to a win.

“We always want to come out in the first half and compete and play hard,” junior forward Jeremey Evans said. “I think we made a big improvement but we still have a long way to go from where we want to be.”

Coach Ken McDonald made some alterations to the lineup and playing time. He moved sophomore forward D.J. Magley to the bench and started senior forward Mike Walker.

Also seeing a lot of playing time was senior forward Matt Maresca, a Bowling Green native. Maresca scored six points and grabbed four rebounds in 15 minutes of play.

“Coach told me I would see some time,” Maresca said. “But going into the game I didn’t know how much I would play. Whatever I can give to help this team win I am fine with.”

Junior forward Jeremey Evans led all Western scorers with 16 points. Sophomore guard Sergio Kerusch provided the game’s only double-double, providing 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for the Toppers.

“I was real proud of Sergio tonight,” McDonald said. “He did some good things. He rebounded the basketball he was agressive and very active on defense. Tonight he settled down and did what he could do.”

For the Tigers, forward Zach Allender led all scorers with 19 points, also grabbing nine boards.

The Toppers go back on the road, heading to Murray State at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Read more about Tuesday’s game in Thursday’s Herald.