Lady Tops overpower Florida Atlantic on the road

WKU sophomore forward Tashia Brown (10) puts up a shot during the game against the Austin Peay State University Lady Colonels, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 at Diddle Arena, Bowling Green, Ky. WKU won 88 – 69. Matt Lunsford/HERALD

Evan Heichelbech

WKU’s 81-62 road victory over Florida Atlantic University on Saturday afternoon extended its winning streak to nine games and moved the Lady Tops to 3-0 in Conference USA play.

Coming off a two-point victory at FIU on Thursday, this contest included four double-digit scorers for WKU as the Lady Tops were again led by Tashia Brown and her 23 points.

It was Brown’s seventh 20-point performance on the season. She now leads the conference in total 20-point games.

Coach Michelle Clark-Heard changed up the starting lineup for the first time since Nov. 24. Freshman guard/forward Ima Akpan replaced freshman guard Kayla Smith who did not play due to an illness. Akpan pulled down 7 rebounds and scored 4 points in 24 minutes of action.

After a 14-14 tie in the first quarter, the Lady Tops never looked back and built a 24-point lead heading into the break. WKU used a crucial 14-0 run in the second half to pull away for good.

The Lady Tops have recorded a double-digit unanswered run in its last five games, and eight total on the season.

The normal season trends continued as sophomore forward Ivy Brown tallied her C-USA leading seventh double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and the WKU defense held its opponent under 70 points for the thirteenth consecutive outing.

Junior guard Kendall Noble extended her double-digit scoring streak to 14 games as she notched 21 points while also adding 7 rebounds.

One surprise on the day was the offensive output from senior forward Jalynn McClain. Otherwise known for her solid rebounding, McClain gathered 10 points on 4-5 shooting from the field in the contest.  

After playing two games in the state of Florida, WKU will have a four-game home stand featuring match ups against Rice, North Texas, Old Dominion and Charlotte during the stretch.

WKU will return to action next Thursday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. as the Lady Tops welcome Rice University to Diddle Arena.