Coming off its third straight win, the Wildcats put up another clinic as they defeated the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets Tuesday, 96-38.
Starting the year at 4-0, ACU is the only remaining Southland Conference team undefeated.
ACU has scored 80 or more points in its first four games of the season. It was the defense that played a key factor throughout the game. The Wildcats stole the ball 20 times and made Howard Payne turn the ball over 29 times.
“Everyone of our players showed out, and we truly came together as a team,” Coach Goodenough said. “Our bench players came ready to play and contribute to our win. This was great win for us.”
Senior foward Lexie Ducat shined brightest in the victory, scoring 20 points and nine rebounds and 10-for-11 from the field. She is averaging 11 points a game this season while shooting over 72% from the field.
Her post presence allows the Wildcats’ offense to flow more efficiently, and Ducat believes everyone had a big part in the win.
“My teammates kept feeding me the ball and creating opportunities for me to score,” Ducat said. “Everyone was on their A-game and we came just came together to get a great win.”
The Wildcats next matchup will be in Norman, Oklahoma as they travel to face the University of Oklahoma next Tuesday. The Sooners will be the Wildcats’ only power five opponent of the season.
Goodenough said that despite the 4-0 start, there is still much to improve on.
“I think we need to improve on our perimeter defense throughout games,” Coach Goodenough said. “When one person loses their assignment, then everyone can become discombobulated. Guarding the perimeter will slow our opponents down and give us more possessions.
After receiving votes in the USA Today top 25 coaches poll, expectations are set high for the rest of the season. Ducat said that the leadership on the team has led to its success.
“I think our leadership is the thing that makes us so special,” Ducat said. “We also have each other’s back and we hold each other accountable. “We have a great bond with each other as women.”
