The key to Kentucky WBB's shocking rise to success
After Kentucky Women Basketball’s recent surge of success, everybody has one question: what changed? Was it their rebounding? Or, perhaps it was their 3-point shooting? While all of these factors played a role, the truth is simpler than you may think. The ‘Cats are having fun — lots of it.
On Friday night, Kentucky shocked the No. 6 LSU Tigers in a thrilling 78-63 victory. As intense as the contest was, the ‘Cats didn’t forget to enjoy themselves.
With each made 3-pointer, somebody would show off an inventive celebration. For every tough finish, Kentucky reminded its opponents they were too small. And of course, the ‘Cats danced their way off the court after the upset win in typical UK fashion.
Better energy leads to better results
Nevertheless, the antics aren’t just for show. After the win, Rhyne Howard, who tied her season-high 32 points in the win, discussed how the positive vibes boost the team.
“When we’re high energy and just having fun, that’s when the game is easier for us,” Howard said during the postgame press conference. “We can just go out and continue this energy and keep this energy and use it to our advantage.”
Howard isn’t the only one who noticed a difference in the team’s attitude. After dropping 13 points and seven rebounds in UK’s triumph, sophomore Treasure Hunt gave her thoughts on the team’s current state.
“When we celebrate, it brings a lot to us,” Hunt said. “It makes us play better, play harder and continue our run.“
The moment Kentucky WBB turned its season around
Although Kentucky is currently on an eight-game win streak, the team’s future wasn’t always so bright. The ‘Cats only won two of their first 10 conference games. So, what was the turning point?
Nobody knew until Friday night. After the game, Hunt revealed the team had a private meeting following their 59-50 loss to South Carolina on Feb. 10. Kentucky hasn’t lost since.
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“We had a team meeting after our last loss when everybody was back and was like, ‘We have to win, we have to play hard, we have to do the things we have to do to go to the tournament,'” Hunt recalled.
Elzy’s undying confidence in her squad
The speech hit home with the ‘Cats. As the ‘Cats gradually picked up steam, their spirits followed suit. Even head coach Kyra Elzy was affected by the intimate moment between the team.
“Even though we did not beat South Carolina, I felt our confidence grow in that game, and when we came back in the fourth quarter, I could physically see the confidence in us,” Elzy said after Kentucky’s win over LSU. “We went through each individual player. What are you going to bring, and it’s do or die right now.”
Elzy continued.
“I was confident in this team. I knew we had enough,” Elzy said. “This team is resilient. We didn’t have any quit in us. So, we just continue to battle.”
Kentucky will have to battle again on Saturday night as they play in the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. Although the contest will be gritty, Kentucky won’t forget to smile their way to success.
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