In a stunning display of skill and determination, EKU’s Antwainette Walker dominated the court, sinking 15 field goals and achieving a career-high 38 points. Her outstanding performance propelled the Colonels to a thrilling 77-75 come-from-behind victory against Evansville on Wednesday night at Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
Walker’s incredible 38 points now stand as the sixth-highest in EKU women’s basketball history, equalling Jaree Goodin’s record set in 1990. This remarkable feat marks the second time in Walker’s career that she has surpassed the 30-point mark in a single game.
The triumph over Evansville has also propelled EKU to an impressive 4-0 start to the season, a feat not achieved since 1994.
Adding to the Colonels’ success, guards Brie Crittendon and Ivy Turner showcased their scoring prowess, contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively. Crittendon and Sierra McCullough led the team in rebounds with seven each.
The first quarter saw Walker assert her dominance, scoring five points, complemented by three-pointers from Alice Recanati and Althea Kara Angeles, giving the Colonels a 15-11 lead.
Despite Evansville’s efforts to pull ahead in the second quarter, Walker’s clutch three-pointer leveled the score at 18-18. Evansville managed to enter halftime with a narrow 28-26 lead.
The second half witnessed a commanding performance by EKU, highlighted by an 11-7 run led by Walker’s three-pointers and layups. By the under-five media timeout, EKU had secured a 46-44 lead. The Colonels continued their momentum, with Crittendon’s three-pointer sealing a 57-50 advantage entering the final quarter.
While Evansville staged a late-game comeback, three Colonels fouled out. However, Walker’s two crucial buckets and two drawn charges in the final minute secured the 77-75 victory for EKU.
Despite EKU’s dominance in made field goals and three-pointers, Evansville held a significant advantage in free throws, claiming a 33-18 lead. Evansville also outrebounded the Colonels by nine, marking the first time this season that EKU fell short in the rebounding tally.
Looking ahead, EKU is set to continue its road swing, heading to Anchorage, Alaska, for the 2023 ASRC/ConocoPhillips Great Alaska Shootout from Nov. 18-19. The Colonels are scheduled to face UAB on Saturday at 9:15 p.m. EST, with the potential for a championship or consolation contest against either No. 4 Utah or host school Alaska Anchorage. The team aims to build on its early-season success and make a statement in the upcoming tournament.
