Dre'Una Edwards succeeds in new role as sparkplug off bench

Coming off the bench isn’t an ideal scenario for most players. Then again, most players aren’t Dre’Una Edwards.

Edwards had a field day in Kentucky’s 69-65 win over Vanderbilt on Thursday night. The redshirt junior led the ‘Cats with 20 points on 10-16 shooting. Additionally, Edwards recorded seven rebounds and three assists. This isn’t the first time Edwards has put on a show in Memorial Coliseum this week.

Absolute TOUGHNESS from @Emma_King34 for the steal!

Score by @IhoopDrea44, assist by @howard_rhyne

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In Kentucky’s comeback victory over Mississippi State on Tuesday, Edwards had an even more impressive performance. The 6-foot-2 forward dropped 23 points and 10 boards in just 29 minutes of play off the bench. Despite Edwards’ standout showings, she is yet to return to the starting lineup since her suspension in January.

When Edwards was asked about her feelings on being a sparkplug off the bench after the game, her answer was optimistic.

“I do like that, but it honestly doesn’t matter to me. It’s more about how we finish the game than how we started,” Edwards said during the postgame press conference. “We just have to go and get after it. That’s what I’m here to do.”

Edwards is succeeding at her mission. In UK’s victory over Vanderbilt, Edwards posted the highest +/- on the team with a +17. The next closest teammate in the category was Rhyne Howard, with a +8.

Head coach Kyra Elzy was similarly impartial to where Edwards starts the game. Elzy was more focused on Edwards’ impact on the court.

“I like ‘Dre on the floor at any time. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, she’s going to play. We need her energy. Naturally, she has that personality. She has that fire and passion, and we need that on both ends of the floor.”

Despite coming off the bench, Edwards has ultimately played similar minutes to when she started. Before her suspension due to disciplinary matters, Edwards averaged 30.1 minutes per game. Since returning, Edwards is playing 28.7 minutes per outing.

Big dog BLOCK 🙌 @IhoopDrea44

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Edwards is making the most of her opportunities. The energetic post player has recorded 10 or more points and seven or more rebounds in every game since her return. While recording astounding individual statistics, Edwards’ mind is focused on the team. She gave her thoughts on her performance and the team’s victory after the game.

“It felt good, we just rallied together and told each other it’s time to play, we’ve got to win this game.”

Thursday night’s contest won’t be the last game the ‘Cats have to win. Currently not included in NCAA Tournament projections, Kentucky must win their final three games of the regular season. The first of these three contests will be on the road against Arkansas on Sunday at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.