WKU Women’s Basketball dropped its first game of the season on Nov. 15, falling on the road to Vanderbilt 77-74.
The Lady Toppers were handed their first loss of the 2022-23 season at home against Vanderbilt, just over a year ago, and history repeated itself Wednesday night.
It was neck-and-neck through the first period, as the Lady Topper’s three-point game came out early in full display. After a three-minute scoring drought for WKU, it was sophomore guard Acacia Hayes who came alive with six points.
The Hilltoppers were able to keep it close through the first 20 minutes, as they went into halftime with only a three-point deficit. However, it was the physicality in the paint on both ends by the Commodores that continued to keep them in the lead. Through the first half, Vanderbilt won the rebounding battle 28-to-12, while only allowing WKU one offensive board, compared to their 12.
It was WKU’s perimeter offense that kept them in it through the third period. With the Commodores opening up the period with an 11-0 run, WKU’s six three-pointers were critical in keeping the Lady Toppers in the game.
It was a back-and-forth battle in the fourth period. With just over five minutes to play, WKU tied the game up, but ultimately the Commodore’s late-game defense was too much for WKU, as Vanderbilt claimed a 77-74 victory.
The Lady Toppers were dominated on the boards throughout the contest as Vanderbilt won the rebounding battle 50-29. In result, the Commodores scored 22 second chance points.
“We’re just kind of our own worst enemy on the boards,” Head Coach Greg Collins said, “We’ve given up too many rebounds, you give 22 second-chance points and that’s kind of the difference in the ball game.”
Despite the loss, junior Alexis Mead had a strong performance, scoring 23 points on 11 field goal attempts.
The Lady Toppers will look to bounce back at Miami (OH) on Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. CT.
Sports Reporter Luke Edmonds can be reached at [email protected]
