Led by a nuclear performance from junior guard Josie Gilvin Thursday night, WKU Women’s Basketball dismantled Kennesaw State 78-57.
Gilvin scored 28 points on a scorching 12-14 shooting, marking the best performance of her career. Junior guard Acacia Hayes scored 20 and senior guard Alexis Mead scored 15.
“It was really good to see some shots go in,” Gilvin said.
With the win, the Lady Toppers improved their record to 16-6 on the season, and 7-3 in CUSA play.
First Half
The Lady Toppers started fast, leading 13-4 halfway through the first quarter. KSU pulled within three, but Hayes went on a scoring run to stop the Owls’ momentum.
Hayes dominated, scoring 13 points, and Gilvin added a complementary performance with nine. The Lady Toppers took a 28-16 lead into the second quarter.
WKU turned in a consistent performance in the second, outscoring the Owls 19-12.
Gilvin continued scoring at will, dropping seven more points. Mead and Hayes each added four to their total. The hot shooting helped the Lady Toppers extend the lead to 47-28 going into the break.
Second Half
The Hilltoppers added to their lead in the third, taking a 23-point lead into the final period. Destiny Salary added seven more to her total, and Mead scored four.
Gilvin put on the finishing touches to her spectacular performance in the fourth, scoring six more points and hitting two threes. It was never in doubt, and the Lady Toppers got a dominant 78-57 victory.
“Josie has learned that decision-making, and she knows when to be aggressive and when not to,” Head Coach Coach Greg Collins said. “And you see that (in her performance).”
The Lady Toppers will return to Diddle Arena on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tip-off is set for 2 pm.
Sports Reporter Austin Rice can be reached at [email protected].
