Whether Western Kentucky's 81-78 defeat to Conference USA foe Rice at E.A. Diddle Arena goes down as just another disappointing L in the ledger or Thursday's loss produced an all-out catastrophe for the Hilltoppers hinges on the health of star junior guard Dayvion McKnight.
Late in the second half with the Tops trailing by seven points, McKnight drove through the lane and landed hard on the floor after contact. The Hilltoppers' leading scorer came was holding the back of his head before training staff arrived to assist. McKnight lay on his back for about 10 minutes before he was transferred to a backboard and taken to an area hospital for an evaluation.