Lady Topper Hoops: Lady Tops Blitzed By #13 Iowa as Defensive Struggles Continue in 104–67 Loss

Western Kentucky women’s basketball continued its slog through the “Who’s Who?” of current women’s basketball powers on Tuesday as the Lady…

Western Kentucky women’s basketball continued its slog through the “Who’s Who?” of current women’s basketball powers on Tuesday as the Lady Toppers fell victim to a massive top-15 Iowa team featuring one of the best centers in the nation, Megan Gustafson (26.0 ppg, 14.5 rpg), in front of 1,301 fans in Diddle Arena.

WKU’s one tie and lead change came at 3–2, 1:02 into the game on a nice layup and a foul by Raneem Elgedawy, who finished with 14 points and rebounds. After that point, Western was just simply outgunned. WKU finished the quarter down 26–16 and went into the halftime break down 14.

In a huge moment to start the second half, Dee Givens had two wide open chances to cut the lead to eight and really dig the Lady Toppers into the ball game. However, the two threes looked pretty and clanged off the back of the rim, and seemingly, all hope left the Tops and Iowa absolutely bull rushed the Red and White afterwards. After that missed shot, Iowa outclassed the Lady Toppers, 54–28 in the last 19 minutes of the game.

After three games, WKU finds itself with some missed opportunities, but ultimately, the Lady Toppers just can’t get stops on the defensive end thus far in 2018–19.

Notes:

• Raneem Elgedawy (14 ppg, 7 rpg) continues to shine as a young star; 2017–18 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, Elgedawy looks like a sure-fire All-Conference performer early in the season.

• Dee Givens (17 ppg, 3.3 spg) has scored at least 13 in the first three games of the season. Dee is shooting 47% from three, as well.

• Junior Whitney Creech (5.3 ppg, 37% fg) continues to struggle in several areas. The junior former phenom from Jenkins High School has been a very average role player in her time with the Toppers. Through three games and playing the most minutes on the team, Creech is fourth in shooting, third in assists, has the third most turnovers, sixth in rebounds, and alarmingly, seventh in points. Whitney is yet to attempt a three on the year, as well.

• WKU’s 2017–18 defense allowed 63.5 points per game. Through three games, WKU’s defense is surrendering 98.7 points. To duplicate last year’s totals, WKU would need to surrender 60 points or less per game. This would be unlikely, considering WKU is yet to surrender less than 74 including exhibition.

• The Lady Toppers are allowing 55% shooting and 45% from behind the arc.

• WKU is losing the rebounding battle by 9.6 per game.

• Against three Power 5 schools, WKU’s offense is scoring 76.7 per game.

Going Forward

Watching all three games, WKU has some concerns defensively. Yes, the Lady Toppers have played two ranked teams and another team that should probably make the NCAA Tournament. However, the way in which these games have unfolded is alarming.

There have been tangible lapses in effort defensively. Girls are jogging back on defense. These things are genuinely concerning. All three games should have been worse scores than they ended up being. Louisville was on pace to score 110, Oklahoma near 100, and Iowa could have scored several more baskets near the end. This defense could actually be worse than it is.

In no way is this team doomed. Lady Topper fans should absolutely keep perspective. Western’s schedule features double digit quality opponents. Four (potentially six) opponents made the Sweet 16 earlier this year.

Without question, the offense is there to compete in Conference USA, regardless of the defense. However, if WKU could find ways to hold decent opponents under 80, the Lady Toppers would be a juggernaut. With as much offensive firepower and size as they have, they could win on a national scale.

Next Time Out

The parade continues. In a surprise twist, WKU plays a tough opponent this weekend. The Lady Toppers travel to Mount Pleasant, Michigan to take on the Central Michigan University Chippewas, who made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 earlier this year as an 11 seed, taking down Ohio State at home in the Round of 32.

WKU tips it off at noon CT Saturday afternoon on ESPN3 and in Bowling Green on ESPNKY 102.7.