Kentucky WBB falls to No. 1 South Carolina on the road, 98-36

As expected, the No. 1 team in the country, South Carolina (16-0; 4-0 SEC), defended its home court against now 8-10 (1-3 SEC) Kentucky women’s basketball.

In Monday’s matchup at Colonel Life Arena, the undefeated Gamecocks dominated the ‘Cats, holding UK to only 36 points in the four quarters of play while piling on 98 of their own. Following a tough loss to Vanderbilt at home, it’s no surprise the ‘Cats couldn’t contain South Carolina.

Kentucky, which has now lost three in a row, shot only 15-61 (24.6%) from the field against South Carolina. The Gamecocks, on the other hand, shot 40-68 (58.8%) and had six players in double-digits.

Saniah Tyler was the only Wildcat to make it into double-figures with 13 points. The sophomore guard went 5-15 (33.3%) from the field, including 3-9 (33.3%) from three. If the ‘Cats had any chance against South Carolina, it would’ve been with Tyler’s help.

Final. pic.twitter.com/5kkOAEBZG9

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) January 16, 2024

After the first quarter, Kentucky only trailed by four points. It wasn’t until an Ashlyn Watkins dunk that solidified South Carolina’s spot as the best team in the nation and their win over the ‘Cats. As for Kentucky’s forwards, Ajae Petty didn’t score her first points of the game until two minutes left in the third quarter. The senior currently averages 16.5 points per game and even achieved a 23-21 double-double against Vanderbilt on Thursday. Petty finished with two points and five rebounds along with two steals and an assist.

Even Maddie Scherr, who is typically a point-producer for the ‘Cats, only finished with nine points. The senior led her team in assists with only two, but also led in turnovers with five. Scherr left the game late in the fourth quarter but played 35 minutes up until then.

Eniya Russell saw more minutes against her former team than she did in Thursday’s game against Vandy, but only finished with six points. The guard went 3-8 (37.5%) from the field and added two rebounds, an assist, and a block.

Up next, the ‘Cats return to Rupp Arena in hopes of snapping the losing streak against 10-7 (1-3 SEC) Missouri on Sunday, Jan. 21. The Tigers lost to South Carolina on Thursday, 81-57, and defeated Vanderbilt on Sunday, 65-63 — the ‘Cats will need to dig deep if they want to come out on top. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and will be streamed on the SEC Network+.