Box Score | Postgame Notes | Postgame Quotes | Clark-Heard Press Conference | UAB Press Conference | Govan Press Conference
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - WKU used an 11-0 run in the second half to build a 15-point lead and grinded out a 59-51 win over UAB on Thursday night in E.A. Diddle Arena. The win sets up a Saturday showdown with Middle Tennessee with the top spot in Conference USA up for grabs.
WKU (22-4, 11-2) used an 11-0 run to take a 36-32 advantage to 47-32 before grinding out the eight point win. UAB never scored more than five straight the remainder of the game as the Lady Toppers secured the win.
Senior Alexis Govan had a game high 17 points to lead the Lady Toppers, leading four WKU players in double figures. Kendall Noble added 13 points while Chastity Gooch had 12 points and nine rebounds. Freshman Tashia Brown continued her emergence as a leading candidate for Conference USA Freshman of the Year with 10 points and four rebounds.
UAB (14-11, 8-6) had the hot hand in the first half by hitting five three-point field goals and rode a 52.6 percent mark from the field in the second half in the losing effort.
WKU won despite scoring a season-low 59 points. It was the first WKU didn't reach the 60 point mark since a Feb. 8, 2014 loss at UALR and won when scoring under 60 points for the first time since a 59-46 vs. UT Arlington last season in Bowling Green. The lack of success in pulling away from UAB was in part to a poor effort on the boards, falling 44-31 in that category, but coming up with three key offensive boards during a 2 minutes stretch after the under four media timeout to help secure the win.
WKU had just five turnovers in the game and held UAB without a point off their five miscues.
Following a 9-21 season before her arrival as head coach, Michelle Clark-Heard has now led the Lady Toppers to three straight seasons with at least 22-wins including a 22-11 season in 2012-13 and a 24-9 campaign with an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013-14.
WKU is 22-4 or better through 26 games for the fifth time in program history and for the first time since 1994-95 when opening the year 23-3.
WKU returns to the floor on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. CT for the only meeting between WKU and Middle Tennessee this season. Fans are encouraged to wear red as the Lady Toppers take on the Blue Raiders for the first time in two seasons. The first 1,000 fans will receive an exclusive t-shirt. It is also Critter Classic day in E.A. Diddle Arena where fans can support the BGWC Humane Society by bringing one of the following items to the game in exchange for a large souvenir soda: clay cat litter, Clorox wipes, bleach or liquid washing machine detergent.
On Friday, Feb. 20, fans are encouraged to wear red to work in support of WKU and Saturday's Lady Topper Basketball game against Middle Tennessee in E.A. Diddle Arena. Fans can then tweet a picture from their place of business using the hashtag #PaintBGRed for a chance to win tickets to Saturday's game with Middle Tennessee. The best 10 photos from area businesses will receive 10 tickets each to the game.
Now through Friday, fans that wear red into select Crossroads IGA and Price Less IGA locations in the Bowling Green area can receive free tickets to Saturday's game with Middle Tennessee. The tickets, available while supplies last, can be picked up at Crossroads IGA at 5499 Scottsville Road, Crossroads IGA at 2560 Mt. Victor Lane, Price Less IGA at 1901 Russellville Road and Price Less IGA at 2475 Scottsville Road.
Saturday's game will be available nationally on Fox College Sports through the Hilltopper Sports Satellite Network, available locally on WKU PBS. Jeff Younglove (play-by-play) and Paul Sanderford (analyst) will be on the call. The game can also be heard live on ESPN 102.7 FM and 1450 AM in the Bowling Green area and worldwide via www.wkusports.tv and the TuneIn app.
The first 1,000 students in their seats at tipoff will receive free pizza from Pizza Hut thanks to the Tip-Off Pizza Giveaway. In addition, WKU will host a Greek Challenge as part of the game as well where individual can sign in at halftime of the contest to win a cash prize for their affiliation.
Members of Big Red's Rascals can take advantage of a Big Red's Rascal Night offer where all members receive complimentary admission to the game with all friends and family able to buy additional tickets for $5.00. The Party 1 Kids Zone will also be available one hour prior to tipoff on the third level concourse with inflatables for kids.
Single-game tickets for all Lady Topper Basketball home games are on sale and can be purchased online at WKUSports.com or by calling the WKU Ticket Office at 1-800-5-BIG RED or 745-5222 locally.
Students receive free admission to all Lady Topper Basketball games. Members of the Red Wave, WKU's student support group, are encouraged to Bring a Friend to the Game for the remainder of the season for the chance to win great prizes. Students can check in at the Red Wave Table at the student entrance of E.A. Diddle Arena for more information.
WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart has also extended a unique offer for the remainder of the season.
"Our women's basketball team is off to a great start this season, but we need more people in the stands," said Stewart. "I guarantee you will have a great time seeing this team this year. Please buy a ticket and see this Lady Topper team. If you don't have a great time, send me your ticket stub and I will refund your money."
In addition, free parking will be available for the remainder of the season in PS1 and in the upper floors of PS2. Lots 1-5 and first floor of PS2 will continue to be reserved for HAF members.
