Kentucky WBB downs WKU 88-70, heads into SEC play with 11-1 record

by:Phoenix Stevens•about 19 hours•

PStevensKSR

kentucky-wbb-downs-wku-heads-into-sec-play-with-11-1-record — Photo of Kentucky forward Amelia Hassett by UK Athletics

Kentucky had a chance to end non-conference play with just one loss coming into Saturday’s game against WKU. The Lady Toppers have had Kentucky’s number in years past back when this was a regular scheduled series, but if there’s anything we’ve learned with this year’s team, it’s that history and old trends can change.

That happened again when the Cats took down WKU, beating the Lady Toppers 88-70 to move to 11-1 on the year heading into SEC play.

The game got started off in a rather fast-paced manner, but both teams struggled to put the ball in the hoop. Kentucky held WKU to just 5-14 (0-3 3PT) shooting in the first quarter, but Kentucky’s 8-19 (1-7 3PT) start wasn’t too much better. Georgia Amoore helped give the Cats a 17-13 lead to end the first period of play with five early points. She finished the game with 21 points and nine assists on the night.

Quarter number two started off in similar fashion, but Saniah Tyler would flip the script as the first half came to a close. After she checked in, she recorded five quick points to help Kentucky get a 38-27 lead going into the break. The junior guard would end the game with 11 points on 4-5 (3-4 3PT) shooting with 16 minutes played.

Kentucky made their last eight shots heading into the half, and they had all the momentum heading into the second half.

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WKU couldn’t manage to grab that momentum to begin the third quarter considering Kentucky was able to get out to a 45-27 lead before the Lady Toppers would score. Clara Strack notched a double-double in the third quarter, and she would finish with 21 points and 12 rebounds against WKU. Heading into the last period of play, it was 66-48 Cats.

The fourth quarter was the final nail in the coffin, serving as a great way to end non-conference play. Kentucky took care of business, beating an inferior opponent like they were supposed to. An 11-1 non-conference record is about as good as you could have asked for before the season begun. Now, a new season is upon us.

Kentucky opens up SEC play against Mississippi State (12-1) in Historic Memorial Coliseum on January 2nd at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+. The Cats and Bulldogs split the season series last year with each team winning on the road.