HADLEY, Ky. (Interstat) — Western Kentucky looks to continue its strong start when it hosts an Evansville team coming off its best win of the season in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers (5-2) have won three of their last four, including a 75-70 victory over Wichita State on Nov. 28. Guard Armelo Boone has been a catalyst, averaging 18.3 points over his last three games. He scored 22 points in 35 minutes against the Shockers. Evansville (4-5) snapped a three-game skid with a 64-52 home win over Ball State on Wednesday. The Purple Aces were led by a dominant performance from forward Connor Turnbull, who scored 21 points, dished three assists and blocked five shots. Turnbull has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five games and will be a primary focus for the Western Kentucky defense. The Hilltoppers’ two losses came in close contests against South Florida (97-91 in overtime) and Vanderbilt (83-78) during a multi-team event. Their offense has been potent, surpassing 90 points three times this season. Evansville’s season has been marked by inconsistency, with a 51-point loss to Akron on Nov. 23 followed by a road win at Oregon State two days earlier. Protecting the ball will be key; the Purple Aces committed 21 turnovers in a November loss to Middle Tennessee. This game represents a final major nonconference test for both sides before their respective league schedules intensify. Western Kentucky begins Conference USA play in January, while Evansville is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Saturday’s contest is scheduled for a 7 p.m. EST tipoff. Western Kentucky holds a 4-1 series advantage, with the teams last meeting in 2021.