WKU WBB Extends Streak in 62-52 Road Wvs Jax St

WKU women’s basketball continued its impressive run with a 62-52 victory on the road against Jacksonville State. The Lady Toppers (12-6, 3-0 CUSA) led for the majority of the game, securing their fourth consecutive win and maintaining an undefeated record in conference play (3-0). The triumph showcased resilient performances, particularly in the absence of leading scorer Acacia Hayes.

Key Highlights and Player Contributions:

1. Conference Dominance:
   • WKU’s victory over Jacksonville State marked a 3-0 start in conference play, showcasing the team’s strong performance in CUSA.
   • This achievement marked the sixth time in the last 10 years that the Lady Toppers have initiated league play with a 3-0 record.
2. Longest Winning Streak of the Season:
   • The win against Jacksonville State extended WKU’s winning streak to four games, establishing the Lady Toppers’ longest winning streak of the season.
3. Balanced Scoring:
   • Three Lady Toppers achieved double figures in scoring:
     • Alexis Mead led with 18 points, also contributing five assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
     • Destiny Salary added 17 points and six rebounds.
     • Odeth Betancourt contributed 12 points and five rebounds.
   • Mead, the junior point guard, showcased consistent play with an average of 5.5 assists per game over the last four games.
4. Defensive Prowess:
   • The Lady Topper defense demonstrated its effectiveness, holding Jacksonville State below 70 points for the 13th time this season.
   • WKU has held opponents below 60 points five times this season, emphasizing defensive excellence under head coach Greg Collins.
5. Absence of Leading Scorer:
   • Acacia Hayes, WKU’s leading scorer, did not make the trip to Jacksonville due to illness. Despite her absence, the team displayed resilience and depth.
6. Shooting Improvement in the Second Half:
   • WKU overcame a cold shooting first half, elevating its performance in the second half:
     • First-half shooting: 9-30 (30.0 percent) from the field and 2-11 (18.2 percent) from 3-point range.
     • Second-half shooting: 14-26 (53.8 percent) from the floor and 2-5 (40.0 percent) from beyond the arc.
7. Crucial Runs and Quarter Highlights:
   • WKU initiated the game with a 6-0 run and later responded to Jacksonville State’s surge with a crucial 7-0 run.
   • The second quarter proved challenging for both teams, with each scoring just eight points.
   • The Lady Toppers started the second half on an 8-0 run to establish an 11-point lead.
8. Fourth-Quarter Dominance:
   • A 22-6 scoring run in the fourth quarter propelled WKU to a 20-point lead, showcasing their ability to close out games effectively.
9. Upcoming Home Games:
   • WKU will continue its conference campaign with two home games:
     • New Mexico State on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
     • UTEP on Saturday, Jan. 20, at noon.

The Lady Toppers’ victory exemplified their balanced scoring, defensive prowess, and the ability to overcome challenges. As they return for upcoming home games, WKU aims to build on its winning streak and maintain a strong presence in conference play under the leadership of head coach Greg Collins.