The Lady Toppers are off to an outstanding start in the 2023-24 women’s basketball season, boasting an impressive 4-1 record. Last week, WKU played three games, two of which were on the road. Looking ahead, the Lady Toppers have a challenging schedule this week with four games, one at home and three at neutral sites, making it a total of seven games in just 14 days.
The defensive prowess of WKU is once again in the spotlight. Five games into the season, the Lady Toppers are showcasing a formidable defense, averaging 13.4 steals per game. This performance ranks them third in Conference USA and an impressive 16th nationally. The team’s ability to force opponents into turnovers is equally commendable, standing at 23.40 turnovers per game, the second-best average in the league and the 18th highest in the country.
WKU’s defensive strategy is evident in the individual statistics, with four players ranking in the top 10 in steals in the conference. Teresa Faustino leads the league with an impressive 15 steals, while Alexis Mead secures the third spot with 11 steals. Karris Allen and Josie Gilvin are not far behind, each contributing 10 steals, tying for the seventh position in the conference.
Freshman Caitlin Staley has been a defensive force, accumulating 12 blocks this season, the second-highest in Conference USA and the 12th highest in the nation. Staley’s stellar performance earned her the CUSA Freshman of the Week title on Monday, acknowledging her contributions against Cornell, Vanderbilt, and Miami.
In terms of assists, Alexis Mead stands out, delivering 26 assists so far this season. This achievement positions her as the leader in the conference and ranks 20th in the nation. Acacia Hayes leads WKU in scoring, averaging an impressive 15.2 points per game, with Mead contributing 11.2 points per game. Faustino maintains a consistent scoring presence with an average of 11.0 points per game, while Allen shines as the team’s leading rebounder, grabbing 5.4 boards per game.
The Lady Toppers were predicted to finish tied for second place in the Conference USA preseason coaches’ poll, following their successful second-place finish in the 2022-23 season, a championship game appearance in the CUSA tournament, and a WNIT berth. Both Hayes and Mead received well-deserved recognition by being named to the CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team in October.
As WKU faces Bucknell for the first time, the Bison holds a 1-3 record for the season, securing a victory against Fairleigh-Dickinson but facing losses to Penn State, Temple, and Louisville. Isabella King leads Bucknell in scoring, averaging 11.3 points per game, while Grace Sullivan takes the lead in rebounding with an average of 4.0 boards per game.
The Lady Toppers are geared up for the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Florida, with their first game scheduled for Friday, Nov. 24, against No. 16 Kansas State at 10 a.m. (CT). Basketball enthusiasts can catch the tournament action on FloHoops.
