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Nov. 25, 2000
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Two of the most successful women's basketball programs in NCAA history collide when Western Kentucky plays host to the reigning Big Sky Conference champion Montana Sunday at 1 p.m. (CST) at E.A. Diddle Arena. The two schools have combined to win more than 1,100 games in their elite histories with each unit making 14 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Western (2-2) opened its home season Friday night with a thrilling 68-64 win over regional rival Evansville at Diddle Arena. Junior guard Natalie Powers gave the Lady Toppers the lead for good, putting back her own missed shot with 20 seconds to play, and senior All-America forward ShaRae Mansfield added two free throws with six seconds remaining to lift WKU to the victory. The Lady Toppers trailed by nine points with nine minutes left, but rallied to stay perfect in seven lifetime meetings with the Purple Aces.
Mansfield played all 40 minutes in the contest, finishing with game highs of 23 points and 16 rebounds to pick up her first double-double of the season. Powers carded 18 points and seven rebounds and freshman guard Camryn Whitaker chipped in with eight points, five steals and four assists. With the win, Western improved to 26-2 in home openers in the modern era (since 1973).
Sunday's game against Montana will also mark a significant milestone for two Lady Toppers, as Mansfield and head coach Steve Small take part in their 100th game on the Hill. In addition, Western could reach another historical landmark with a victory over UM --?its 300th career victory at Diddle Arena.
The Montana game is also the second of a three consecutive home tilts for the Lady Toppers. Western closes out its initial homestand of the season Thursday at 7 p.m. (CST) when Louisville comes calling for the 18th annual Area Bank Classic.
- WKU -
