Kentucky WBB hunkers down to take on No. 1 South Carolina

Exactly 312 days ago, the Kentucky women’s basketball team pulled off a legendary upset against No. 1 South Carolina to win the SEC Championship. This time around, the ‘Cats shouldn’t expect the win or the glory.

On Thursday evening, Kentucky (8-8) will stand toe-to-toe with the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks (16-0). The ‘Cats have lost seven of their last eight contests, most recently falling to No. 5 LSU by 19 points. Head coach Kyra Elzy is determined to keep her squad motivated.

Tomorrow is GAME DAY. 😻🤟

Join us in Memorial Coliseum tomorrow night as we play host to No. 1/1 South Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.

It's FANDEMONIUM night. 🎉 Fans in attendance can enter to win from a selection of prizes.#GameOn

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) January 11, 2023

“Well, it’s about a mentality. We have to compete. We have to hustle. It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says,” Elzy said following UK’s loss to the Tigers. “You have to learn to continue to grow and improve.”

Unfortunately for the ‘Cats, no amount of improvement will save them from their impending outcome.

What’s going on with the Gamecocks?

If South Carolina’s undefeated record isn’t enough to worry the BBN, let’s dive a little deeper. The Gamecocks and ‘Cats have two mutual opponents this season: Coastal Carolina and Georgia. Kentucky’s average margin between the two games was +11. South Carolina’s? +40.

As impressive as South Carolina’s numbers are, they’re expected. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks are the blueprint for success. After falling in the Final Four in 2021, the squad returned with a vengeance to win the NCAA Tournament the next year. They succeeded and are getting comfortable with the feeling.

It’s easier to make these repeat runs when your best player comes back each season. Senior forward Aliyah Boston is arguably the best player in the country, averaging 11.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Crazier, the 6-foot-5 superstar stuffs the stat sheet while only playing 24 minutes a night.

Despite being a two-time First-Team All-American, Boston isn’t even the Gamecocks’ leading scorer. Veteran guard Zia Cooke runs the offense, scoring 15.1 points per contest. The 5-foot-9 guard is a sniper, shooting 36.9% from deep this season.

Another watch list looking out for @aa_boston and Zia Cooke!https://t.co/ebVooTwh99 pic.twitter.com/pnskjfZAdv

— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) January 11, 2023

Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, Kamilla Cardoso enters the picture. Standing at 6-foot-7, Cardoso makes the paint a shady area. The Brazilian native regularly adds 9.3 points and 7.9 boards per outing.

The Gamecocks only have two players regularly scoring double figures, but have nine players averaging five or more points per game. For reference, UK has five players hitting this mark. If Kentucky wants to win, they must score.

Keys for Kentucky WBB

Admittedly, it’s difficult to score when you can’t shoot. The ‘Cats are connecting on just 41% of their field-goal attempts and 27% of their shots from beyond the arc. In their most recent loss, Kentucky shot a poor 35% from the field.

Interestingly enough, Elzy doesn’t blame the performance on a lack of skill, but a lack of focus.

“I do think it is somewhat mental. We are better shooters than what we are showing, but I think overall we have to have a little more mental toughness,” Elzy said following the loss to LSU.

While the ‘Cats must generally shoot well to have a chance against the Gamecocks, they specifically must be spectacular from downtown. South Carolina averages 9.6 blocks per contest, the most in the nation.

Constant grind. 🔇 pic.twitter.com/cn8D8Qsy9e

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) January 11, 2023

With bigs who already struggle to score down low, the ‘Cats must rely on their perimeter play. UK’s backcourt has proven they’re capable. Just four days ago, Maddie Scherr recorded 22 points against No. 5 LSU, Robyn Benton dropped 20 against Louisville in December, and Jada Walker put up 17 points versus No. 13 Virginia Tech.

Scherr remains confident in her team’s ability.

“Stay the course. You have to have a short memory in basketball because the next one is up. The SEC is the best league in the country and we’re going to be ready to go home, scout South Carolina, and take the floor against them.” 

Watch the ‘Cats hit the hardwood against South Carolina at 7 p.m. on Thursday night in Memorial Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.