WKU Women’s Basketball will face Florida International Saturday afternoon in Diddle Arena for its final game of the 2026 season, following a tough 65-38 loss to Missouri State at home Thursday evening.

The Lady Toppers’ loss to the Lady Bears prevents them from participating in the 2026 Conference USA tournament. Only the top 10 teams in the conference will compete for the CUSA title.

WKU struggled in multiple areas against Missouri State. The Lady Toppers scored just 38 points on 26.7% field-goal shooting, their lowest point total since their 50-38 loss at Sam Houston Jan. 15. The Lady Bears also outrebounded the Lady Toppers 54-34.

Sophomore forward Torri James scored a team-high 13 points against Missouri State. Sophomore point guard Trinity Rowe was the only other Lady Topper in double figures, scoring 11. 

Sophomore guard Salma Khedr leads WKU’s offense with 10.4 points per game, good for 23rd in the conference.

FIU is tied with Missouri State for second in the CUSA standings with an 18-10 overall record and an 11-6 conference record. The Panthers defeated Middle Tennessee 80-78 in double overtime Thursday night.

FIU is led by junior guard Rhema Collins and senior guard Parris Atkins. In CUSA, Collins is first in double-doubles (12), second in scoring (17.4 per game) and third in rebounding (8.9 per game). Atkins ranks third in scoring (16.5 per game) and second in steals (2.9 per game) in the conference.

WKU holds a 38-14 overall record and a 20-4 home record against FIU. The Lady Toppers most recently fell 80-54 to the Panthers on the road Feb. 5.

WKU’s six seniors (guard Tia Shelling, forward Caleigh-Rose West, forward Mya Pratcher, forward Jeniffer Silva, forward Zsofia Telegdy and guard Yendri Acosta) will all be recognized for Senior Day following the game. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. in Diddle Arena.