Western Kentucky’s women’s basketball team fell to Louisiana Tech on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 79-65 decision at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, Louisiana.

Salma Khedr led the team in scoring for the fourth time this season with 15 points along with four rebounds, three steals, two blocks and an assist for WKU (5-12 overall, 1-5 Conference USA). The steals and blocks tied her career highs in both of those categories. It was her eighth double digit scoring effort of the season.

Khedr scored the first points of the game on a drive into the paint. LA Tech (11-5, 4-1 CUSA) used a pair of free throws to tie up the score. The two teams went back and forth and were tied at the 4:05 mark of the first quarter after a 3-pointer from Tatum Boettjer. The Lady Techsters then went on a 13-1 run to go ahead by 12. Mya Pratcher scored the final four points of the quarter, cutting the lead down to eight going into the second period.

Khedr once again scored the first points of the quarter to cut the lead down to six. LA Tech responded with back-to-back 3-pointers. The Lady Toppers went on a 7-0 run to get back within five. The Lady Techsters closed the quarter on a 14-2 run to take a 41-24 lead into halftime.

The two teams traded baskets to start the third quarter, but a 6-0 run by WKU helped the Lady Toppers cut the lead down to 16 with 2:54 left in the quarter. LA Tech used a 6-0 run of their own later in the quarter to go back ahead by 24. The Lady Techsters took a 65-43 lead into the final quarter. WKU closed the game on a 15-5 run fueled by the Lady Topper bench.

Lady Toppers guard Trinity Rowe poured in 14 points and dished out six assists to along with two rebounds and a steal. It was her fifth time scoring in double digits this season and the third time she’s had at least five assists.

The Lady Tops had 16 assists in the game, the third most in a game this season.

WKU’s 22 points in the fourth quarter are the second most the Lady Toppers have scored in a quarter against a Division I opponent this season.

The Lady Toppers return to E.A. Diddle Arena to host Liberty on Thursday and Delaware on Saturday, Jan. 24.