A liquid collection assembly positionable between a fill material and a fan of a cooling tower for collecting liquid gravitating through the fill material while allowing air to pass up to the fill material. The liquid collection assembly includes a plurality of trough assemblies supported in a spaced apart, vertically overlapping relationship to provide a uniform path for rising air, to capture the down flowing liquid, to provide a barrier between the liquid distribution system and the fan, and to carry the liquid into the at least one gutter. The trough assemblies are supported by a first end plate and a second end plate through which trough assemblies extend.