Breaking news, sports and campus news from Western Kentucky University

WKUHerald.com

WKUHerald.com

WKUHerald.com

Lady Toppers suffer first conference loss against New Mexico State

Forward+Odeth+Betancourt+%2821%29%2C+right%2C+jumps+for+the+ball+during+the+tipoff+against+New+Mexico+State+Universitys+Ene+Adams+%2812%29+on+Thursday%2C+Jan.+18%2C+2024.+
Eli Randolph
Forward Odeth Betancourt (21), right, jumps for the ball during the tipoff against New Mexico State University’s Ene Adams (12) on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.

WKU Women’s Basketball hosted the New Mexico State Aggies Thursday night at Diddle Arena, where they fell 50-44. 

“Well, it felt like all night there was too much individual play and not enough team play,” Head Coach Greg Collins said.  “We felt like there was a whole lot of dribbling looking for my shot instead of looking for my teammate.” 

A controversial no-call at the end of the game hurt WKU when senior guard Teresa Faustino was elbowed attempting to force a jump ball when she and her teammates trapped an Aggie player.  The play went to review, but the referees said New Mexico State would retain possession, proving costly to a WKU comeback.  

The first half was slow for WKU, shooting 0-8 from three accompanied by 10 turnovers.  Despite this, the team shot 47.8% from the field and forced 11 Aggie turnovers, keeping the game close at halftime.  

“We were taking a lot of threes off the bounce instead of driving and creating and getting each other a feet set, wide-open shot,” Collins said. 

In the second half, the Lady Toppers rallied to make it close late, but 25% shooting from the field and 20% from three proved costly.

The defense played well, holding the Aggies to 50 points and forcing 16 turnovers. They also blocked five shots. 

Sophomore guard Acacia Hayes and junior guard Alexis Mead each had nine points.  Mead added four rebounds and four assists. 

The Lady Toppers will have a quick turnaround, hosting the UTEP Miners on Saturday at noon.  The game can be watched on ESPN+   

More to Discover