3 Takeaways from Kentucky WBB's 82-74 loss to No. 14 Virginia Tech
What first looked like a blowout loss for Kentucky Women’s Basketball, finished as one of the Wildcats’ most promising performances of the young season.
On Monday afternoon, Kentucky fell 82-74 to the No. 14 Virginia Tech Hokies in their first game in the Bahamas. The contest had it all: comebacks, star power, and storylines. Although we learned countless things about the ‘Cats on Monday, here are our biggest takeaways.
Ajae Petty is the future at center
Kentucky has lacked a dominant center so far this season. With rookie Tionna Herron sidelined due to heart surgery in the offseason, head coach Kyra Elzy only has three legitimate choices to anchor the paint: Nyah Leveretter, Adebola Adeyeye and Ajae Petty.
As the only returning ‘Cat, Leveretter was the coaching staff’s initial choice. Through UK’s first four games, Leveretter was the team’s starting big. However, Leveretter didn’t live up to expectations. While starting, Leveretter averaged just 3.0 points and 3.5 boards per game while regularly playing over 15 minutes.
Looking for a change, Elzy gave Adeyeye her first start on Monday. Unfortunately, Adeyeye didn’t meet the challenge, either. In 24 minutes, Adeyeye recorded two points and five rebounds; the search continued.
Thankfully, Elzy didn’t have to look much further. Petty exploded against the Hokies for a season-high 12 points and four rebounds on 6-8 shooting in just 17 minutes. Moreover, Petty slowed down Virginia Tech star Elizabeth Kitley, who dominated Petty’s fellow ‘Cats. After the game, Elzy discussed Petty’s breakout game.
“I’m proud of Petty. I thought she came in and gave us a big spark off the bench. I loved her poise and confidence on the block,” Elzy said. “She is one of our best low-post finishers.”
Don’t be surprised if Elzy opens Wednesday’s game with another new face at starting center.
Kentucky is relentless
If you were concerned Kentucky had any quit in them, that idea melted away on Monday. After the first quarter, Kentucky trailed the Hokies 29-8. Instead of lying down, the ‘Cats slowly chipped away at Virginia Tech’s lead.
In the second frame, Kentucky matched the Hokies’ 15 points. In the third period, Kentucky outplayed the nation’s 11th-ranked team, scoring three more points than them. When the final 10 minutes of the contest arrived, the ‘Cats dominated, outscoring the Hokies 25-15.
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Kentucky’s conditioning was responsible for the gradual comeback. By the end of the game, Virginia Tech barely had the energy to get the ball past halfcourt. UK forced nine Virginia Tech turnovers in the fourth quarter alone. Elzy believes her team’s unwavering effort is key to their success.
“We have to control the pace and tempo of the game,” Elzy added. “Down the stretch, we emptied our tank to get back into the game and that just shows you that we have fight in us.”
Kentucky’s bench steps up
Petty wasn’t the only ‘Cat to make contributions off the bench. Freshman Amiya Jenkins had a massive impact on the game despite not touching the court until halfway through the third quarter. In 13 minutes, Jenkins finished with seven points, four rebounds and two steals.
South Carolina transfer Eniya Russell put up similar statistics, recording six points on 2-4 shooting from the field before fouling out. Altogether, the ‘Cats scored 27 bench points, three times as many as the Hokies; not a bad outcome against one of the deepest teams in the country.
While Elzy doesn’t believe in moral victories, she believes in learning from losses. Today’s loss was a masterclass.
“We can learn from those. Whether it was reaching on a foul or closing out on the wrong person or not running our offense all the way through,” Elzy said. “The players will learn from this situation. This is the first time we’ve been in this type of tough situation on the road against a Top 25 team.”
Let’s hope the ‘Cats are fast learners. Kentucky takes on Dayton in their second contest of the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. EST. Once again, the game will be streamed on FloHoops.
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