ESPN Men's Basketball

MONROE, La. -- C.J. Price shot 10 of 19 from the field and 5 of 11 from beyond the arc for a career-high 30 points, leading Western Kentucky to a 65-54 victory over Louisiana Monroe in the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams.

Price also had six rebounds, three assists and three blocks for the Hilltoppers (5-2, 1-0).

The Warhawks (0-3, 0-1) were led by Amos Olatayo with 21 points and Millaun Brown with 11. Olatayo was 8 of 12 from the field and 3 of 4 on 3-pointers in the Warhawks' home opener.

Western Kentucky led 32-30 at the break, but Olatayo made three layups for a 36-32 advantage 2:10 into the second half. The Warhawks made it 39-35 on Olatayo's dunk, but the Hilltoppers scored seven in a row, and O'Karo Akamune made a layup for a 44-42 advantage with 12:32 left to take the lead for good.