Headlining the hardwood action this Friday, the WKU women’s basketball squad is set to reclaim the court at E.A. Diddle Arena on December 29 at 6:30 p.m. The Lady Toppers will be facing off against West Virginia State in what marks the culmination of their non-conference matchups and serves as WKU’s final game of the year.
In a thrilling twist, the forthcoming matchup is slated to be Superhero Night at Diddle Arena. Enthusiastic fans are encouraged to don their favorite superhero garb, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. Notably, first responders, including police, fire, and EMT personnel, are eligible for discounted tickets in recognition of their vital contributions.
Here are the key details for the game:
- Matchup: WKU (8-6) vs. West Virginia State (5-5)
- Date and Time: Friday, Dec. 29 at 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Bowling Green, Ky. | E.A. Diddle Arena
- How to Watch: ESPN+
- Listening Options: Tune in on ESPN 102.7 or the Varsity Network; Live stats available for real-time updates
Turning our attention to the Lady Toppers, they’ve had a commendable start to the season with an 8-6 record. Victorious encounters against Mercer, Southern Utah, Cornell, Miami (OH), Bucknell, Vermont, Abilene Christian, and Nevada underscore their competitive prowess.
Acacia Hayes emerges as the focal point of WKU’s offensive firepower, claiming the title of leading scorer in both the team and Conference USA, averaging an impressive 17.1 points per game. Hayes’ outstanding performance recently earned her the CUSA Player of the Week honors after an impressive week averaging 20.7 points across three games.
Newcomer Destiny Salary made a spectacular debut, notching a career-high 20 points against Abilene Christian. With an average of 14.0 points per game over three matchups, she adds a valuable dimension to the team. Alexis Mead follows suit, maintaining double-digit scoring with 10.8 points per game, while Karris Allen leads the team in rebounds with 5.2 boards per game.
The Lady Toppers are making their mark defensively, forcing opponents into an average of 19.50 turnovers per game, ranking second in CUSA and 60th nationally. Their prowess is further highlighted by an average of 10.7 steals per game, securing the second spot in the league and 41st in the NCAA.
Looking ahead, WKU is poised to embark on Conference USA play, commencing on Saturday, January 6, against Liberty. The team’s preseason expectations are buoyed by their selection to finish tied for second place in the Conference USA preseason coaches poll. Building on their second-place finish in CUSA for the 2022-23 season, the Lady Toppers are eager to replicate their success in the upcoming conference battles.
Shifting focus to the opposition, West Virginia State enters the arena with a notable track record, coming off a stellar season featuring 22 wins and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Shelby Harmeyer leads the charge in scoring with an average of 11.4 points per game, while Jordan Anysa dominates the boards with 6.2 rebounds per game.
As the Lady Toppers brace for a riveting contest against West Virginia State, fans are encouraged to pack the stands at E.A. Diddle Arena on Friday, creating an electrifying atmosphere to cap off 2023 with a bang.
