Kentucky WBB's bench steals the show in win over Alabama

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On3 image — Photo by Eddie Justice | UK Athletics

For most of the season, Kentucky Women’s Basketball hasn’t even had a bench. Depth was non-existent. With injury after injury (and a suspension here and there), there was seemingly no end in sight. However, this all changed against Alabama.

On Sunday, Kentucky narrowly defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 67-63 down in Tuscaloosa. In the tight win, Kentucky’s bench was pivotal. The team’s reserves scored 39 of UK’s 67 points. Moreover, Kentucky’s bench had a combined +/- rating of +47. Kentucky’s sudden depth is due to a string of recoveries.

Kentucky went three weeks without having more than eight healthy players, and often less. Now, the ‘Cats are back at full strength and turning heads. On Thursday, Kentucky lost to No. 1 South Carolina by nine points, and they followed up the promising loss with an exciting victory.

Bench creates defensive energy

Kentucky’s depth is a gamechanger in many ways, yet none may be more noticeable than their defense. Early in the season, the ‘Cats were known for their aggressive defense. If foes were going to defeat UK, they were going to be exhausted doing so.

Kentucky replicated this defensive intensity on Sunday. The ‘Cats forced 18 Alabama turnovers, including a game-winning steal. UK’s 11 steals against the Crimson Tides are the most they’ve had since their first SEC game of the season against Georgia.

Steal ➡️ score @Emma_King34

📺 @SECNetwork
📊 https://t.co/emoz0LesYs
📻 https://t.co/GYkGBA1abL #CommitToIt pic.twitter.com/DahjNdQs2G
— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) February 13, 2022

Head coach Kyra Elzy gave credit to her team’s defense after Kentucky’s win on Sunday.

“Our press was really good. We knew we needed to generate some scoring opportunities off of our defense. We turned Alabama over,” Elzy said. “Never let them get settled offensively. Yes, it does help when you have a bench.”

Kentucky didn’t have to worry about fatigue with four players ready to go on the bench. The defense wasn’t the only place Kentucky’s bench contributed.

Kentucky WBB’s bench is an offensive spark plug

To beat the same drum, UK’s reserves were brilliant in Kentucky’s win on Sunday. However, and more importantly, the bench came through when they were needed most.

The ‘Cats began the game down 11-2. Elzy responded by subbing in Emma King, Nyah Leveretter and Dre’Una Edwards. Her ‘Cats didn’t let her down.

Despite scoring only two points, King was vital in the win. The junior guard took two charges, snagged two rebounds and dished out four assists. Leveretter was even more instrumental in the victory. The sophomore forward recorded a career-high eight points and a season-high seven rebounds in just 20 minutes of play.

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The Wildcats stepped up with 39 bench points, led by @IhoopDrea44 with 24, to get the win for Kentucky!#CommitToIt pic.twitter.com/u30CXK04Ev
— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) February 13, 2022

Finally, Edwards dominated for the ‘Cats. In just her fourth game back since her suspension, Edwards recorded 24 points and seven rebounds. The redshirt junior played without fear, shooting 10-23 from the field. Elzy couldn’t find enough praises for her bench player’s offensive performances.

“What can you say about Nyah Leveretter? I thought she had one of the biggest games of her career today,” Elzy said. “Emma King has been solid and what we need. Obviously, it’s not filling up the stat sheet, but the intangibles.”

Elzy finished by complimenting Edwards’ big game.

“‘Dre was solid today. She came in; she played under control. I thought she hit big baskets. She was focused.”

A mindset shift for the ‘Cats

Not only does Kentucky’s depth affect them on the court, but off it, as well. Leveretter put it best after the team’s victory.

“Even if somebody is messing up, we have people on the bench that are there to support us and boost our confidence,” Leveretter said during the postgame press conference. “That does wonders for us.”

A happy Kentucky Women’s Basketball team is a successful Kentucky Women’s Basketball team. The ‘Cats will have one day to rest as they take on Mississippi State at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network+.