After scoring in double-figures for the 3rd straight game, Saniah Tyler continues to improve

PStevensKSR

after-scoring-double-figures-3rd-straight-game-saniah-tyler-continues-improve — Photo by Morgan Simmons | UK Athletics

There wasn’t much positivity to take away from Kentucky women’s basketball’s 72-65 loss to Georgia this past Sunday, but among those few positive talking points was Saniah Tyler. In just 21 minutes of play, Tyler scored 18 points on 6-7 (4-4 3PT) shooting.

Yet again, the sophomore guard proved that she is one of the top-scoring options at Kyra Elzy’s disposal.

With her 18-point performance, Tyler has now scored in double-digits in three consecutive games and five of the last six. Perhaps the best part about her outing against the Bulldogs was her ability to pull through in the clutch.

Time and time again, this Kentucky team has struggled to find someone to answer the call late in games. Sometimes, Maddie Scherr and Ajae Petty have an off night. Eniya Russell simply can’t put up Herculean efforts every single game, either. Things happen.

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So, who else can Kyra Elzy count on when Kentucky needs a big bucket late in the game? Saniah Tyler, obviously. Tyler would hit a big three to make it a one-possession game against Georgia with 1:08 left in regulation. While her clutch shot didn’t result in a win, she did ultimately give Kentucky a chance down the stretch.

ST FOR THREEEE 🗣️@_saniah_tyler31 pic.twitter.com/qxylMn4dcg
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) February 4, 2024

After a rocky freshman season where Tyler averaged just 0.7 points per game, the sophomore has made a huge turnaround in the 2023-24 campaign. This season, Tyler is averaging 10.0 PPG while shooting 33.8% from three-point range. She’s up to 10.4 PPG on 35.6 percent against SEC opponents.

Plus, this wasn’t the first time this season that Tyler showed some clutch genes for the ‘Cats.

Oh yeah, she’s come through in the clutch a handful of times this season.

Gets it done when needed the most. https://t.co/SUT6qr4IRV pic.twitter.com/QIE8K8AWV5
— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) December 26, 2023

Considering she has the hot hand heading into this Sunday’s game against Texas A&M, hopefully, Tyler can propel the ‘Cats to a much-needed victory. Kentucky is in serious danger of finishing last in the SEC in back-to-back seasons, so a win against the Aggies could help salvage how this team is remembered for the years to come.