Lady Topper Hoops: WKU Rolls on to Fifth Straight Win, Exorcises the Devilettes, 87–48
Western Kentucky (6–3) continues its dominance of inferior competition in a heartless dispatching of Mississippi Valley State (0–7) Tuesday…
Western Kentucky (6–3) continues its dominance of inferior competition in a heartless dispatching of Mississippi Valley State (0–7) Tuesday night in front of a home crowd of 1,063.
WKU took an early double digit lead and never allowed MVSU to get within 15 after establishing their halftime lead, 41–20. MVSU was finally able to produce some offense in the third quarter, but WKU still managed to outscore the Devilettes by seven in the frame. WKU put the finishing touches on a sparkling victory in the fourth, only allowing nine points in the final frame to finish MVSU off, 87–48.
What more can be said about Western Kentucky women’s basketball?
In the Michelle Clark-Heard era, WKU just doesn’t lose to inferior opponents very often. WKU has faced five mid-major opponents in a row, winning by an average margin of 23.8 ppg.
Tashia Brown continued her unbelievable senior campaign, racking up 26 points on nearly 50% shooting and making 8-of-9 free throws. Ivy Brown notched another double-double, tallying 15 points and 11 boards. Raneem Elgedawy (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Sidnee Bopp (12 points, 4-of-5 from three, 5 assists) also poured in solid nights.
Although WKU’s freshmen (besides Elgedawy) did not light up the scoreboard, Sherry Porter, Terri Smith, and Nichel Tampa played ferocious defense, wreaking havoc in Coach Heard’s most recent preference, a relentless 2–2–1 full court press.
WKU’s defense has improved of late, surrendering no more than 63 in its last five games. Before their five game winning streak, WKU gave up no less than 73.
News and Notes
Tashia Brown has now scored at least 20 points in seven of the nine games in 2017–18, averaging 22.1 per contest.
Ivy Brown is having her best all-around season as a Lady Topper, improving over any of her other seasons in every statistical category except blocks per game.
Sidnee Bopp is shooting 51.5% from the three point line. She has made at least one three pointer in all but two games in 2017–18. Sidnee is a true outside specialist; she has attempted 32 total shots inside the line in her career, and has only shot nine free throws in 683 career minutes.
WKU’s team defense has massively improved during its five game streak. Before the streak, WKU was surrendering nearly 80 per game. During the streak, the Tops have not allowed an opponent more than 63 in a single game.
WKU’s offense is mainly efficient by volume: Despite a similar shooting percentage overall, WKU makes and attempts more field goals, three pointers, and free throws than its opponents by a wide margin.
In nine games, WKU has forced 50 more turnovers than its opponent. The Lady Toppers force 18 miscues per game.
Next Time Out
WKU heads to the West Palm Invitational this weekend. The Lady Toppers take on host Stetson University (6–5) at 11 a.m. Saturday, and face Toledo (7–2) at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
WKU already won the Georgia State Thanksgiving Tournament, and finished second in the Hawkeye Challenge. Another tournament win would certainly be a new notch in the resume for the Toppers.