After WKU’s season-low shooting of 27% Sunday, the 3-6 Wichita State Shockers derailed the Lady Toppers’ undefeated season in a 64-59 loss in Wichita, Kansas.
The Lady Toppers entered the game averaging 78.1 points per game but scored a season-low 59 points against the Shockers. The loss dropped the Lady Toppers to 7-1.
Wichita State forced a season-low in multiple categories for the Lady Toppers. Wichita State took great care of the ball, only allowing the Lady Toppers seven steals when they average 15 a game. The Shockers also forced a season-high in turnovers forcing 22.
Despite the loss, senior guard Alexis Mead led the charge with 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
After missing the last three games due to personal reasons, Mariama Sow returned and provided the spark off the bench for WKU. Sow contributed 12 points and five rebounds.
FIRST HALF
It was a slow start for the Lady Toppers, going down 9-5 early in the first quarter. After the media timeout, WKU got their legs underneath them taking a 15-11 lead behind eight points from Mead.
In the second quarter, Wichita State outscored the Lady Tops 17-4 to give the Shockers a 28-19 lead going into halftime. The offense from the Shockers was spearheaded by senior guard Taylor Jameson, scoring nine of the 17 Wichita State points.
SECOND HALF
In the third quarter, the shooting struggles continued for the Lady Toppers. WKU attempted to claw away at the deficit, however, Wichita State continued answering, taking a 43-36 lead going into the final 10 minutes.
WKU did not want their undefeated season to end heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Toppers continued to fight back down 56-52 with two minutes to go. After a mistake-filled final few minutes, Wichita State handed WKU their first loss of the season 64-59.
Next up for WKU, they will take on Kentucky Wesleyan on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Sports Reporter Peyton Reid can be reached at [email protected].
