The real games are the regular season and postseason games, and the only things that matter.

Not in Coach Mary Taylor Cowles’ book.

Her Lady Toppers took their last exhibition game against Kentucky Wesleyan seriously and came out with a 96-59 victory.

And that’s how they’ll treat their final exhibition game at 7 p.m. tonight against the Houston Jaguars in Diddle Arena. Western beat the Jaguars 99-59 in exhibition play last season.

“We definitely have to take every game seriously, whether we’re playing in a scrimmage or playing in the national championship,” freshman forward Crystal Kelly said. “We know that this team we’re playing is talented.”

Cowles said she doesn’t expect things to be picture perfect, especially during the beginning of the season. But the preseason games have been useful for the team.

“We will try to get a good measure on what we need to work on,” Cowles said.

Senior point guard Camryn Whitaker, who sat out the first game after having knee surgery last Thursday, will also be sitting out tonight’s game.

Cowles said there’s not a definite date for her return, but it shouldn’t be more than three weeks.

“It’s nice for our perimeter to see how they have to play without Camryn,” Cowles said. “But it’d be good with Camryn back … we’ll have a little more to add to our depth.”

The post is also a deep area for the Lady Toppers, with Kelly and redshirt freshman Cacie Pope leading the pack.

“We have dominance in the post, and we need to continue to utilize that and continue to work strong,” Cowles said.

Although Kelly impressed many with her 11-point and 11-rebound debut, she said she’s still in the adjustment process.

“I need to continue to work on my game and playing at the college level,” Kelly said.

Western starts the regular season Nov. 19 against Alabama-Birmingham.

Reach Amber North at sports@wkuherald.com.