Kentucky WBB takes down Ohio 95-86, snaps 3-game losing streak

For the first time in two weeks, Kentucky women’s basketball has come away with a win.

On Wednesday afternoon in Memorial Coliseum, the Wildcats (8-4) took down the Ohio Bobcats (2-8) by a final score of 95-86. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for Kentucky, which had lost previous matchups to Louisville, Murray State, and Florida Gulf Coast — all at home. It was a much-needed win for the Wildcats as the team prepares for the start of SEC action next week.

Kentucky forced Ohio into 20 turnovers, which turned into 25 points for the Wildcats. Despite shooting over 60 percent from the floor, the Bobcats lost the battle on the glass by 16 and in second-chance points by 21. Robyn Benton led UK with 22 points while Ajae Petty, Blair Green, Eniya Russell, and Jada Walker all scored at least 14 points.

Repeat the sounding joy. 😸@KYBloodCenter #GameOn pic.twitter.com/BF7bBCXsm2

— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) December 21, 2022

Much like the previous three games, Kentucky got off to a slow start. The Wildcats trailed by as many as six in the opening period, shooting just 7-22 from the floor overall and 0-7 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Ohio was up to a 6-11 clip, although the Bobcats did turn the ball over seven times. But unlike the previous three games, Kentucky overcame the sluggish start and even led after the first quarter, 17-16.

The second frame saw UK throw the first punch, leading 31-25 at the 3:34 mark behind an 8-0 run. Ohio responded with its own 6-0 run to end the first half though, which knotted the score at 33-33 at the intermission. Ohio was outshooting Kentucky, 54.2 percent to 40.0 percent, but the Wildcats were winning the battle on the glass and taking better care of the ball.

Out of the break, it became the Robyn Benton vs. Ohio show. The graduate student found her stroke, canning her first four 3-pointers of the third frame while the Bobcats knocked down five shots from deep of its own. At one point, Ohio made eight shots in a row as both teams were connecting from all over the floor, combing to shoot 18-27 overall in the quarter.

UK ultimately won the third frame 29-24 and took a critical 62-57 lead into the final 10 minutes.

To begin the fourth quarter, Kentucky went for the final blow. Despite starting just 3-11 from the field, the ‘Cats were ahead by 10 midway through the period. Ohio did its best to chip away at that advantage, but UK always had an answer. In the end, Kentucky did enough to fend off the Bobcats, winning its first game since Dec. 7.

Up next for Kentucky is an extended break. The Wildcats won’t play again until traveling to Columbia, MO for an intraconference showdown against the Missouri Tigers on Dec. 29.