Led by a standout performance from senior guard Alexis Mead on Saturday, WKU Women’s Basketball dominated New Mexico State at Diddle Arena on Senior Day 85-68.
Mead put on a masterclass with 23 points and eight assists on 8-12 shooting. Senior Destiny Salary had a day in her final home game with 17 points and seven rebounds.
“Alexis Mead and Acacia Hayes have been here, and stuck with it,” Head Coach Greg Collins said. “When other players have moved on, they stuck with it.”
Junior guard Josie Gilvin put up 18 points, six rebounds, and four steals on 7-13 shooting.
The win moves the Lady Toppers to 21-7 on the season and keeps them firmly in third place in the conference at 12-4.
First Half
The Lady Toppers were on fire to start the game, leading 19-4 with just under five minutes to play in the first. Salary was on fire, scoring nine early points and going 3-3 from long range in the quarter.
The Lady Toppers put up a staggering 10 assists while forcing six turnovers. The total domination led to a 26-11 lead at the end of the first.
The second quarter was a defensive struggle for the first six minutes, with either team unable to get anything going on the offensive end. However, Gilvin scored five quick points, and the floodgates opened. Gilvin ended the quarter with seven points, helping lead the Lady Toppers to a 46-26 halftime lead.
Second Half
The Lady Toppers put the game away early in the third with a 15-2 run in the first six minutes. The defense of the Lady Toppers was on display, giving up only 11 points in the quarter. Mead dominated, putting up 11 points, and Gilvin continued her consistency with five. The Lady Toppers led 69-37 entering the fourth.
Mead, Salary and senior forward Mariama Sow played their final quarter at home for the Lady Toppers, leading the team to an 85-68 final.
“I’m grateful that Coach Collins gave me the opportunity, and I’m glad my team welcomed me with open arms,” Salary said. “They allowed me to be myself.”
Salary hit a 3-pointer early in the fourth to wrap up her night, and Sow scored her final bucket at home as a Lady Topper. Freshman guard Salma Khedr scored four points in reserve minutes.
The Lady Toppers will be back on the road next Thursday against FIU. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Sports Reporter Austin Rice can be reached at [email protected]
