Junior guard Josie Gilvin displayed a veteran performance against Kennesaw State on Thursday in Diddle Arena in the Lady Toppers 78-57 win over the Owls. The Louisville, Kentucky native notched a career-high 28 points, going 12-for-14 from the field, along with five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Her shooting percentage is tied for ninth-best shooting performance in a single game by a Lady Topper. She tied Lady Topper legend Lillie Mason who also shot 12-of-14 against Southern Illinois on Dec. 6, 1985.
The Lady Toppers' ability to win on the boards gave them momentum to convert shots offensively, with the focus on moving the ball to find the most available shot. Gilvin was the hand they were feeding, shooting 85.7% on the night and 3-for-4 from behind the arc.
"It felt really good to see some of those shots go in, and some of the contested shots [go in]," Gilvin explained after Thursday night's win.
Gilvin has been one of the most important pieces to the Lady Toppers defense. This season alone, she totals 113 rebounds (70 defensive rebounds), 57 steals, and 20 blocks. She's been able to put together an impressive campaign as one of the best defensive players in Conference USA.
Gilvin has really found her tempo in her junior campaign, setting a record for total steals in a single game with 11 against FIU on Jan. 4 earlier this season.
"She's learned that decision-making process [on defense]," head coach Greg Collins said after the victory over the Owls. "She's learned when to be aggressive and when not to be, and you can see that."
This defensive IQ has translated into a high off-ball IQ, and all the pieces came together perfectly last night with her ability to get open, take smart shots, and make them.
Gilvin and company will take the court again on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. to face Jacksonville State.
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.
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