BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Arnika Brown scored 16 points in the first half
and finished with 29 as Western Kentucky defeated the University of New
Orleans 75-65 in Sun Belt Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
WKU (10-7, 4-3 SBC) won for the 29th time in 30 meetings between the two teams in a series that dates back to 1979. Kenzie Rich and Amy McNear joined Brown in double-figures with 16 points apiece.
Brittany Helm was the top scorer for UNO (8-10, 3-4 SBC) with 16 points, as the Lady Privateers dropped their third straight contest.
Jada Frazier added 15 points including a 3 of 6 night from beyond the arc while
Ashley Gorsh topped the rebounding for UNO with seven.
For nearly six minutes in the opening half, the Lady Privateers went without a field goal, turning a four-point UNO advantage into a 17-10 lead as the Lady Toppers went on a 15-4 run during the stretch.
After building up a nine-point lead at 27-18, WKU's advantage grew to ten at 35-25 with 2:58 remaining. UNO scored the final six points before the half, entering the break down four at 35-31.
The Lady Privateers overcame the deficit after exchanging early baskets to open the second half, scoring seven straight to take a 40-39 lead.
The teams tied on six occasions in the second half, the last of which came at 58-58.
WKU scored the next four points capped by a Rich three-pointer that swung the momentum in the favor of the Lady Toppers for the remainder of the contest as UNO would only be able to pull within three down the stretch.
The Lady Privateers will continue their play on the road with a contest at Troy at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
