WKU Women’s Basketball is off to a perfect 2-0 start to the season after defeating Kentucky State 104-49 on Saturday evening at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Lady Toppers (2-0) never trailed in the game, outscoring the Thorobreds (0-2) in every quarter for the dominant win.
Game Recap
After a back-and-forth start, WKU took control with a 7-0 run midway through the first quarter to establish a double-digit lead. Kentucky State briefly cut the lead to nine, then eight, with a pair of three-pointers, but that was the closest they would get. WKU led 27-14 after the first quarter and then outscored the Thorobreds 31-11 in the second to take a commanding 58-25 lead at halftime.
The Lady Toppers extended their advantage with a 17-6 run to open the third quarter, but Kentucky State responded with an 11-2 run to end the period. In the fourth quarter, WKU went on a 17-0 run to start, not allowing Kentucky State to score until a free throw at the 4:06 mark.
Notable Performances
- WKU’s 104 points marked the most scored by the Lady Toppers since a 105-78 win over Florida Atlantic in 2004. The team has now won 50 of the 52 games in which they’ve scored 100 or more points.
- The Lady Toppers held Kentucky State to just 49 points, improving their record to 83-24 under head coach Greg Collins when holding teams to under 70 points.
- WKU shot 52.4 percent from the field, hitting 33 of 63 shots. They are now 26-4 under Collins when shooting 50 percent or better.
- Destiny Salary led WKU with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting.
- Mariama Sow had a career-high 17 points, including a 3-of-4 performance from three-point range.
- Alexis Mead and Acacia Hayes each added 14 points, with Hayes recording a career-high six rebounds.
- Mya Pratcher posted career highs with 12 points, three steals, and six rebounds.
- Mackenzie Chatfield led the team with a career-high six steals.
- WKU improves to 12-0 all-time against Kentucky State and has now started the season 2-0 for the 23rd time in program history.
Quotable
- Head coach Greg Collins: “It was a great opportunity to get some players who just need some minutes on the floor. We’re always trying to get better, and there were little things that individuals did that I saw us get better. You’re seeing some improvements on a consistent basis. I’m really proud of that effort.”
- Graduate guard Destiny Salary: “We wanted to come in and get better on our end. We wanted to come in and protect home court and just get better as a team. We weren’t so much worried about the scoreboard or anything like that. I think everyone came out and did exactly what Coach Collins asked them to do. We’re grateful for the win.”
- Senior forward Mariama Sow: “The team is really helping me build my confidence back up because I kind of lost it a couple of years ago. They are really helping me, and the coaches are doing a great job, too. It’s a big deal for me.”
Next Up
The Lady Toppers will hit the road again to face Mercer in Macon, Georgia on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
