By Kendrick Jackson, Advertising Manager
In Kyle Cooper’s first season as head coach of the West Liberty women’s basketball team, Coach Cooper returned the Lady Toppers to winning form. With the Mountain East Conference Tournament fast-approaching, WLU will look to end the season with a win.
As of Feb. 18, the Lady Toppers have composed a record of 12-14 and sit towards the top of the MEC conference. WLU improved on their record from last year and even went on a five-game winning streak this season.
Last Saturday, our Lady Toppers almost scored an upset in a 106-103 thriller against nationally-ranked, Glenville State. The game came down to the wire, but the Pioneers of Glenville State pulled away within the final minutes of the game.
WLU forward, Marissa Brown, had a record-breaking night against the Pioneers. Brown recorded 43 points and 25 rebounds, along with five blocks and three steals on the defensive end. 25 of her 43 came in the second half.
Brown is having a spectacular season in her junior season. Brown is averaging 23.8 points-per-game while shooting over 60-percent from the field. Furthermore, Brown is averaging a double-double for the year with 11 rebounds-per-game. On Wednesday’s 80-88 loss to Notre Dame, Brown also recorded her 1,000 career point.
Looking ahead, our Lady Toppers will face inner-conference rival, Wheeling Jesuit, for the final game of the season. As of Feb. 18, Wheeling Jesuit also has a 12-14 record for the year. This is a bit of a disappointment after last year’s squad repeated as MEC champs.
Earlier in the season, the Cardinals of Wheeling Jesuit earned a huge victory in a 70-58 upset against Norte Dame. Cardinals redshirt junior guard, Monica Burns, scored 14 points, including going six-for-six at the foul stripe.
Burns is leading Wheeling Jesuit in scoring for the second consecutive season, averaging over 17 PPG. Burns is also shooting over 91-percent from the free-throw line, one of the best in the conference.
Both teams will matchup Saturday at 2 p.m. in the ASRC, followed by the MEC Tournament beginning Wednesday, Feb. 28 in Charleston, WV. For more game previews and recaps, please keep visiting the Trumpet Online.
Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com
