The second year of the Mary Taylor Cowles era began with a landslide exhibition victory Sunday.

The Lady Toppers had little trouble defeating an overmatched Premier All Stars, 101-70 in front of 1,203 fans at Diddle Arena.

Sophomore guard Tiffany Porter-Talbert led Western with 19 points, but it was the play of a pair of freshmen that entertained the crowd.

Guard Charlotte Marshall had a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, and forward Carlee Bartee scored 15 points and was 3-for-6 from behind the 3-point line.

“People say it’s only an exhibition game,” Cowles said. “But it’s good to see our freshmen come out and play.”

Western took advantage of the Premier All-Stars foul trouble and short bench by connecting on 18-of-21 free throws. The Toppers had a 5-on-4 advantage in the final half-minute of the game as three of the seven All-Star players fouled out.

The Lady Toppers will conclude their exhibition schedule at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 when the Houston Jaguars visit Diddle Arena.

Reach Michael Casagrande at [email protected].