Game Info
WKU (0-0) vs. Mercer (0-0)
Monday, November 6 | 5 p.m.
Bowling Green, Ky. | E.A. Diddle Arena
Watch: ESPN+
Game Notes: WKU | Mercer
Game Links: Listen (ESPN 102.7/Varsity Network) | Live Stats | Tickets
About the Lady Toppers
- The Lady Toppers took on Lane College in their lone exhibition game of the preseason, winning 100-37. Nevaeh Foster was the team's leading scorer with 17 points. Acacia Hayes added 15 points, five steals, four rebounds and three assists. The Lady Toppers were 11-of-26 from the 3-point line and notched 21 steals.
- WKU is 36-16 all time in season openers since the 1973-74 season and 40-11 in home openers in that same span.
- WKU was picked to finish tied for second place in the Conference USA preseason coaches poll released earlier in October. The Lady Toppers are coming off a second place CUSA finish in 2022-23, a championship game appearance in the CUSA tournament and a WNIT berth.
- WKU returns seven players from the 2022-23 season and welcomes five newcomers to The Hill for the 2023-24 season. Returners include senior Aaliyah Pitts, junior Alexis Mead, sophomore Acacia Hayes, senior Teresa Faustino, senior Odeth Betancourt, sophomore Karris Allen and sophomore Josie Gilvin. Destiny Salary transferred to WKU after spending time at Ole Miss and Tennessee. The Lady Toppers will feature four freshmen in 2023-24. Mackenzie Chatfield joined the team in January and will compete in her first collegiate season in 2023-24. Nevaeh Foster, Jailynn Brill and Caitlin Staley joined the team in the summer.
- Hayes and Mead were named to the CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team in October.
- Hayes was WKU's leading scorer in 2022-23, averaging 11.2 points per game. She's the first WKU freshman to lead the team in scoring since Crystal Kelly (2004-05).
Series Notes
- WKU and Mercer have played three times previously. The Lady Toppers own a 2-1 record in the series.
- The most recent meeting between the two teams came on Dec. 18, 2020 in Bowling Green. The Bears picked up their first win in the series, 71-54.
About the Bears
- Mercer went 12-16 overall in 2022-23 and were picked to finish third in the Southern Conference coaches poll.
- The Bears will have several fresh faces with only two starters from last season's returning and only five total returners.
- Sophomore guard Enjulina Gonzalez was named to the Preseason All-SoCon Team. As a freshman, Gonzalez averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
Up Next
- The Lady Toppers will hit the road for the first time in the 2023-24 season, heading to Utah to take on Southern Utah on Friday, Nov. 10.
How to Follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on WKU Lady Topper Basketball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @LadyTopperHoops on X, @LadyTopperHoops on Instagram and on Facebook at facebook.com/WKUWomensBasketball.
