by Hannah Humble, WKU Basketball Reporter, The Extra Point

(LEXINGTON, Ky.) — WKU Women’s Basketball fell to No. 16 Kentucky, 88-70, in its final non-conference game of the season on Saturday evening at Memorial Coliseum.

The Lady Toppers (9-3) kept the game close through the first quarter and a half, but a late surge in the second quarter and a dominant third period sealed the win for the Wildcats (11-1).

WKU took an early 2-point lead after Destiny Salary’s layup, but Kentucky quickly responded with a 7-0 run to go ahead by five. The Lady Toppers answered with a 5-0 run to tie the game at 13, but the Wildcats finished the quarter strong, leading 17-13 after the first 10 minutes.

In the second quarter, WKU trimmed Kentucky’s lead to just two points after Alexis Mead’s free throws to open the period. However, the Wildcats reeled off back-to-back buckets and outscored the Lady Toppers 17-7 over the remainder of the half, extending their lead to 38-27 at the break.

Kentucky’s dominance continued after halftime. The Wildcats started the third quarter with a 7-0 run, pushing their lead to 18 points. While both teams scored 21 points for the rest of the quarter, Kentucky’s early surge proved to be the difference, and the Wildcats carried a 65-48 advantage into the final period.

The fourth quarter saw an even exchange of points, with both teams scoring 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to narrow the gap.

WKU was led by Alexis Mead, who finished with 18 points, four assists, and three steals. Mead was perfect from the free throw line, going 8-for-8. Acacia Hayes added 14 points, while Destiny Salary contributed 11 and Josie Gilvin finished with 10.

The Lady Toppers now turn their attention to Conference USA play, with their next game scheduled for January 2 against Liberty at home in E.A. Diddle Arena.