FINAL: Kentucky WBB shakes off slow start, beats USC Upstate 67-44

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final-kentucky-wbb-shakes-off-slow-start-beats-usc-upstate-67-44 — Photo by UK Athletics

It wasn’t pretty out the gate, but Kentucky Women’s Basketball broke free with a deadly third-quarter stretch to end non-conference play on a high note.

The No. 19 Wildcats (7-3) withstood a pesky South Carolina Upstate (8-3) by a final score of 67-44 on Sunday afternoon at Memorial Coliseum, utilizing a 28-7 run in the third frame to put the game out of reach. Kentucky trailed by as many as 11 points early in the second quarter before gathering its composure and sealing a victory. The ‘Cats will now take an 11-day hiatus as Southeastern Conference action begins on Dec. 30.

FINAL:

Kentucky 67, USC Upstate 44

Kentucky really turned this one around into something to be proud of. Rhyne Howard led the way with 22 points for the ‘Cats. Kentucky won’t play again until Dec. 30 against Auburn.
— Grant Grubbs (@grant_grubbs_) December 19, 2021

Kentucky came out mostly lethargic following its loss to No. 7 Louisville last weekend. UK was supposed to play against Morgan State on Friday, but that game was postponed due to COVID-19 issues within the Lady Bears program. The ‘Cats came out on Sunday as if this game had been postponed, too. UK trailed 14-5 after the first 10 minutes of action.

It wasn’t until roughly three minutes remained in the first half that Kentucky took its first lead of the afternoon at 22-21. The advantage would eventually bump up to 26-23 at the intermission.

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Following what must have been a rousing halftime speech from head coach Kyra Elzy, the ‘Cats took control out of the break. Kentucky won the third quarter by 21 thanks to a 16-2 run from a lineup of Rhyne Howard, Olivia Owens, Dre’Una Edwards, Jazmine Massengill, and Emma King.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the final outcome was never in doubt. Kentucky cruised to a 23-point victory and is rewarded with a nice vacation to rest and recover.

Howard finished with a game-high 22 points on 8-18 shooting to go along with three rebounds, four assists, and six steals. Freshman Jada Walker was the second-leading scorer with 13 points while Edwards and Massengill added 11 apiece. Owens added seven points and eight rebounds off the bench. Kentucky shot 40.3 percent overall as a team and just 3-12 from beyond the arc.