MONROE, La. -- T.J. Price scored 26 points and Western Kentucky pulled away from Louisiana-Monroe in the second half on Thursday night, winning 69-51.

Price also grabbed 10 rebounds in the winning effort and hit 7 of 9 from long range. Price was the only Hilltopper to reach double figures.

Western Kentucky (12-7, 4-2 Sun Belt Conference) trailed Louisiana-Monroe 20-18 in the first half before finishing with a 14-7 edge and leading the Warhawks 32-27 going into the break.

The Hilltoppers controlled the second half, slowly pulling away from Louisiana-Monroe (6-8, 3-3) in building their largest lead of 18 points by game end.

The Hilltoppers hit 51 percent of their tries from the field while outrebounding the Warhawks 35-25.

Louisiana-Monroe shot just 39 percent from the floor and only 54 percent (14 of 26) from the penalty stripe.

Tylor Ongwae scored 11 for the Warhawks and Amos Olatayo added 10 points.