Big Win for Lady Toppers: 88-61 Over Kentucky Wesleyan
Bowling Green, KY – The Western Kentucky Lady Toppers put on a stunning performance at E.A. Diddle Arena on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, scoring an impressive 88-61 victory against the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers. Coming off a loss just days earlier, the Lady Toppers were eager to get back in action and they did not disappoint their fans.
Early Momentum
Right from the tip-off, Western Kentucky showed they were ready to bounce back. Senior guard Alexis Mead lit up the scoreboard early, racking up 10 points in less than six minutes. Her efforts helped WKU build a solid lead of 14-7. The team didn’t stop there; they went on a fantastic 9-0 run that stretched the lead to 23-9 by the end of the first quarter.
Kentucky Wesleyan Fights Back
Despite the strong start from the Lady Toppers, the Panthers were not going down quietly. They found success beyond the arc, with the 3-point line proving fruitful—hitting 6 out of 18 attempts in the first half. At one point, they narrowed the gap to 24-17. However, WKU regained their footing heading into halftime, with a layup from Destiny Salary giving them a comfortable 46-31 lead at the break.
Strong Second Half
After the halftime break, the Lady Toppers really turned up the heat. They came out blazing with an 11-0 run to start the third quarter, pushing their lead to 71-41 by the end of the period. This allowed Head Coach Greg Collins the luxury of sending in his bench players for the fourth quarter, giving everyone a chance to contribute. In these final moments, even Caleigh Rose-West and Yendri Acosta made their debuts, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Team Effort
Throughout the game, it was evident that teamwork was a key focus for WKU. The Lady Toppers ended the night with an impressive 24 assists on 38 made shots. This level of teamwork is what makes winning a collective effort. Josie Gilvin, who added 10 points, nine rebounds, and five assists to the mix, emphasized the importance of good possessions and finding open shots, which was evident in their collective performance.
Standout Performers
Leading the way for WKU was Alexis Mead, who finished with 19 points, four assists, and four rebounds. This was her third consecutive game as the top scorer for the Lady Toppers. The contributions didn’t stop with her; a total of eight players scored at least seven points, which speaks to the depth of this team.
Looking Ahead
The win not only boosts team morale following a disappointing loss but also sets the stage for an exciting upcoming series. WKU will head to Hawaii next, where they will take on Oregon State on December 19 in the Maui Classic, followed by a matchup against Nevada on December 20. This trip to Hawaii is sure to be a thrilling experience for the Lady Toppers and their fans.
Conclusion
With their strong rebound against Kentucky Wesleyan, the Lady Toppers are now 8-1 for the season. They proved that they can shake off setbacks and come back even stronger, a testament to their skill and teamwork. As they prepare for their next challenge, the excitement in Bowling Green is palpable, and fans are eager to see what the Lady Toppers will accomplish next!
