Bucknell University
1-4,0-0Patriot
Western Kentucky
5-1,0-0CUSA
Strong Second Half Leads WKU Over Bucknell in 63-45 Win
11/21/2023 1:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The Bucknell Bison women's basketball team (1-4) concluded its two-game trip in the Bluegrass State with a 63-45 defeat to the Western Kentucky University Lady Toppers (5-1). The Bison led 21-14 at halftime, but a furious WKU rally and pressuring defense erased the Orange & Blue's lead. WKU outscored Bucknell 49-24 in the second half.
Ashley Sofilkanich had a banner game, collecting 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting and gathering nine rebounds to narrowly miss her first double-double. Kaylee Reinbeau scored a career-high seven points on 2-of-4 shooting.
The Bison shot 13-of-41 (31.7) from the field and 16-of-19 (84.2) from the charity stripe and committed 25 turnovers.
WKU shot 23-of-66 (34.8) from the court but only turned over the ball 12 times. The Lady Toppers outrebounded Bucknell 37-36.
The first quarter was a tight, defensive struggle as the two teams combined to shoot 6-of-26 from the field. Sofilkanich drained a basket, and Emma Theodorsson provided a beautiful three-pointer to account for Bucknell's five points. WKU scored 11 points and ended the quarter on a 6-0 run after Theodorsson's three tied the game.
Bucknell's defense was the story of the second quarter. The Bison were electric defensively, holding WKU to 1-of-19 (5.3%) shooting and three points. The Lady Toppers were bewildered by Bucknell's pressure and switching. The Bison used their defensive momentum to take the lead. Sophia Sabino's two points put Bucknell up 15-14. Her basket started an 8-0 run to end the half. Sabino scored again, Sofilkanich added a basket, and Caroline Dingler closed the scoring with two free throws. Bucknell led by a touchdown, 21-14 at halftime.
The situation shifted in the third quarter. WKU continually pressed to force turnovers and blitzed out to a 6-0 run to start the quarter. A Bucknell timeout could not halt the rally, as WKU tied the game at 25-25. Theodorsson regained the lead with a basket, but WKU would retake the advantage for good with a floating jump shot. Ashley O'Connor drained a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 35-32, but WKU answered right back with a trey. A final jump shot made it 40-34 WKU.
The fourth quarter was not kind to the Bucknell shooters, as the team shot 0-for-9 from the field. The Bison kept driving, and the points were tallied by hitting 11-of-12 from the line. Isabella King led the effort, going 4-for-4. It was not enough to keep pace with the Lady Toppers, as WKU ran out the clock to win 63-45.
Up Next
The Bison return to action on Black Friday (Nov. 24) for a 2 p.m. matchup with Robert Morris at Sojka Pavilion.
