Cold Shooting Hampers Lady Toppers in Loss

Saturday, February 24

Bowling Green, Ky.

11 AM

Western Kentucky University

15-13,6-7CUSA

Middle Tennessee

23-4,13-0CUSA

Middle Tenn.

Western Ky.

Aaliyah Pitts, \]w21\, Ana Teresa Faustino, Nevaeh Foster | Photo by: Steve Roberts

Photo by: Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics

2/24/2024 2:54:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — WKU women's basketball (15-13, 6-7 CUSA) dropped a 59-41 decision to Middle Tennessee (23-4, 13-0 CUSA) on Saturday afternoon in Diddle Arena.

WKU struggled offensively, shooting just 27 percent from the field and 16 percent from 3-point range. The field goal percentage was a season low for the Lady Toppers and WKU attempted a season low five free throws in the game.

"The goal this week was to get the turnovers down," said head coach Greg Collins. "We've just been turning the ball over way too much. We did a better job in that area. We did a better job in rebounding against a really good rebounding team. The bottom line is that it's hard to win with 41 points. We have to make some shots."

Aaliyah Pitts notched her first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Teresa Faustino joined her in double figures with 10 points to go along with four assists.

The Lady Toppers outdid the Blue Raiders on the boards, 42-35, and held Middle Tennessee to their second fewest points in conference play.

Middle Tennessee started the game on a 9-0 run. WKU's first basket of the game came at the 4:52 mark of the first quarter and the Lady Toppers were held to just four points in the frame. The Blue Raiders took a 14-4 lead into the second quarter.

The second quarter was back and forth with neither team scoring more than five straight points at a time. Pitts made a jumper and followed it up with three at the 6:17 mark to cut Middle Tennessee's lead down to eight. The Blue Raiders responded with five straight of their own and held a double-digit lead the rest of the quarter, taking a 31-20 lead into halftime.

Middle Tennessee used a 12-0 run in the third quarter to build a 20-point lead heading into the fourth period. WKU outscored the Blue Raiders 15-13 in the final frame.

WKU will go on the road for the final time in the regular season, taking on Louisiana Tech on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in Ruston.

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.