Clara Strack, Kentucky WBB set single-season records for blocks in 82-58 win over Tennessee

In what might’ve been the most heated rivalry matchup since Kentucky played Louisville in December, the ‘Cats welcomed the Tennessee Lady Vols into Memorial Coliseum with… a cold shoulder. Despite it being Kentucky’s last regular season home matchup of the year, the Wildcats were firing on all cylinders. However, it wasn’t just hustle that led Kentucky to a record-setting 82-58 win over Tennessee, it was heart too.

Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell plays an interesting game of basketball. Just 90 seconds into play, she had three pairs of fresh legs make their way into the game. A minute later, she put in an entirely new five-woman lineup. While it seemed like nothing was clicking offensively for Tennessee, the team was certainly energetic. Thanks to Caldwell’s unique coaching style, her players were consistently rested, yet still warm. Tennessee pressed for what seemed like the entire game, but could get hardly any shots to fall in the first quarter.

After 10 minutes of play, Kentucky led the Vols by 11. The Vols had nothing to show except nine points and 30 total substitutions.

Here's a crazy stat for you:

Tennessee's Kim Caldwell has made 30 substitutions. In the first quarter.

Kenny Brooks made only 11.

Kentucky 20 | Tennessee 9 | End 1Q

— Katie Hutchison (@KHutchisonKSR) February 28, 2025

The second quarter was much of the same, although Tennessee was more consistent from the field. Despite that, Kentucky extended its lead ever so slightly, up 45-26 at the half. At this point in the game, Clara Strack was having the performance of a lifetime. In 15 minutes of play, Strack totaled 17 points. The center, who sprained her thumb against LSU, according to Kenny Brooks on his weekly radio show, went 8-8 from the field, including a three-pointer.

While a 19-point halftime lead is more than desirable, it was nothing to write home about. After all, fans saw what happened against LSU on Sunday. Kentucky was up 16 at the half, and turned around to lose by seven. So, in order for the ‘Cats to pull this one out, it was going to take the same hustle and heart from the first half.

In other news, Kentucky also broke the all-time blocks record in a single season, largely thanks to “The Triplets,” Strack, Teonni Key, and Amelia Hassett. At the time of breaking the record, the ‘Cats marked 182 blocks. The previous record was 181 blocked shots, thanks to the 2012-13 squad. And if that wasn’t enough, Strack set a new record for blocks in a single-season by a player. At the time of breaking the record, she recorded 67 blocked shots. Not too bad for the 6-foot-5 sophomore.

This team is kind of a big deal. 🫡

182 blocks in a single season. pic.twitter.com/f6kKFuGvze

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) February 28, 2025

It seemed like the third quarter woes from the LSU game were no longer. Kentucky got off to a hot start. in the third, quickly hitting a 53-28 lead over the Vols, forcing Caldwell to call a timeout. The ‘Cats had three players in double-digits at this point: Georgia Amoore, Teonni Key, and Strack. The best part? They weren’t slowing down. In fact, this game felt like one of the fastest-paced basketball games of all time. Maybe it’s because before the third quarter, these two teams only shot six free throws. You gotta love a game where the referees let teams play.

Once the ‘Cats marked a 33-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter, it was almost certain that Kentucky would pull out the biggest victory of the season. Plus, the Wildcats are one step closer to securing the sought after double-bye in the SEC Tournament.

When it was all said and done, Strack finished perfect from the field, with 23 points on 11-11 shooting, plus 15 rebounds. Amoore added 18 points, Key had 18, and Dazia Lawrence finished with 13. The team also recorded 52 total rebounds, 37 defensive and 15 offensive. Kentucky advances to 21-5 overall (10-4 SEC) and 13-2 in Memorial Coliseum.

Up next, No. 15 Kentucky faces No, 6 South Carolina on Sunday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m. EST. The game can be streamed on ESPN.