In a tightly contested battle, WKU women’s basketball faced a heartbreaker on Wednesday night against Vanderbilt, falling short in the final seconds with a 77-74 loss. The Lady Toppers fought valiantly, having possession down three points in the closing moments, but the game-tying shot didn’t find the mark.
Leading the charge for WKU was Alexis Mead, delivering a standout performance with a season-high 20 points, six assists, and two steals. Mead showcased her scoring prowess by going 8-of-10 from the field, including an impressive 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Acacia Hayes added significant firepower with 19 points, hitting a career-high five three-pointers. Aaliyah Pitts contributed on the boards, grabbing five rebounds, all on the defensive end, and adding seven points to the team’s total bench points.
In a remarkable display of long-range shooting, WKU made a season-high 12 three-pointers, finishing 12-of-32 from beyond the arc. The Lady Toppers exhibited sharpshooting accuracy, registering a 45.6% field goal percentage—their best mark of the season since the Conference USA tournament last year against UAB.
While the offensive performance soared, WKU faced season lows in free throw attempts (12), rebounds (29), and steals (8). Despite the outstanding effort, Vanderbilt managed to secure the win.
The game’s narrative unfolded with lead changes and pivotal moments. Mead’s triple in the opening quarter set the tone, and the Lady Toppers drained four threes in the period, with Hayes leading the charge. The second quarter saw a back-and-forth struggle, with Vanderbilt taking a slim lead into halftime.
WKU fought back in the third quarter, erasing deficits and eventually taking the lead. Mead’s three-pointers and Hayes’ crucial contributions brought the Lady Toppers into contention. The game remained intensely contested in the final frame, with both teams showcasing their resilience.
However, Vanderbilt’s timely threes and WKU’s attempts to narrow the gap fell short in the closing moments. Despite a valiant effort, the Lady Toppers experienced their first loss of the season, concluding the game at 77-74.
WKU women’s basketball will regroup for their upcoming matchup against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, with tip-off scheduled for noon (CT). The Lady Toppers aim to bounce back and continue their pursuit of success in the season ahead.
