The Lady Toppers (9-3) stuck with the Wildcats (11-1) the first quarter and a half, but a lopsided finish to the second quarter and third quarter led Kentucky to victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The two teams went basket for basket to start the game, but a layup from Destiny Salary two minutes into the game gave WKU a two-point lead. The Wildcats responded with a 7-0 run to go ahead by five. The Lady Toppers bounced back with a 5-0 run to tie the score with 2:03 left in the quarter. From there, Kentucky outscored WKU 6-2 to take a 17-13 lead into the second quarter.
A pair of free throws from Alexis Mead to open the second quarter got WKU within two, but Kentucky scored back-to-back buckets to extend the lead again. WKU scored on consecutive possessions with a three from Josie Gilvin and a layup from Acacia Hayes to cut the score to one. The Cats responded by outscoring WKU 17-7 the rest of the quarter to take a 38-27 lead into the second half.
Kentucky started the third quarter on a 7-0 run to push their lead to 18. That 7-0 run was the difference for the quarter with both teams scoring 21 points for the remainder of the quarter. The fourth quarter was an even battle with both teams scoring 22 points.
NOTABLES
- Alexis Mead led WKU in scoring with 18 points to go along with four assists and three steals. She was 8-of-8 from the free throw line. It was the fourth time this season Mead has led the team in scoring and the 41st time in her career she has gone perfect from the free throw line.
- The Lady Toppers had four finish with double digit points. Acacia Hayes chipped in 14 points along with four rebounds and two assists. Destiny Salary added 11 points and Josi Gilvin had 10.
NEXT UP
The Lady Toppers will tip off Conference USA play on Jan. 2 with Liberty in E.A. Diddle Arena.
How to Follow the Lady Toppers: For complete information on Lady Topper Hoops, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @LadyTopperHoops on X, @LadyTopperHoops on Instagram and on Facebook at facebook.com/WKUWomensBasketball.
