PREVIEW: Kentucky WBB looks to get back on track vs. Ole Miss
Kentucky Women’s Basketball is taking on water. If they don’t patch up their holes soon, they’re going to sink.
On Sunday afternoon, the No. 23 (8-5) Wildcats will face the Ole Miss Rebels (16-2) in Rupp Arena. Kentucky is on a three-game losing streak, with their last defeat coming to unranked Florida on Thursday. Further, all three losses have been by 20 or more points. Tipoff is scheduled for noon on the SEC Network.
After Thursday’s loss, Kentucky is 1-3 in conference play and ranked ninth in the SEC. In contrast, Ole Miss currently sits at fourth in the conference standings.
A win on Sunday could turn UK’s season around. Likewise, another loss could plummet their hopes. Let’s discuss the team looking to put the final touches on the Wildcats’ season.
Reconnaissance on the Rebels
Ole Miss couldn’t have envisioned a better start to their season. Led by head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, the Rebels are 16-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
Ole Miss’ strength lies in their defense. The Rebels’ are allowing just 53.3 points per game, making them a top 15 defense in the nation. Thanks to their iron defense, Ole Miss has a +18.4 average margin of victory.
Shakira Austin will be vital in Ole Miss defeating UK in their typical blowout fashion. The 6-foot-5 center is averaging 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Austin is no stranger to the ‘Cats. In the two teams’ matchups last season, Austin averaged 21.5 points and 12 boards. However, Ole Miss’ star player isn’t the only Rebel with some former experience against UK.
Madison Scott averaged 10.5 points against the ‘Cats last season. The sophomore has only stepped up her game this year. Scott is contributing 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds a night.
While Austin and Scott aren’t threats from deep, the team’s third-leading scorer is. Angel Baker drops 10.3 points per game while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc.
Baker’s hot hand isn’t representative of the rest of the Rebels. Only 14.4% of Ole Miss’ points come range; just 15 teams in the country score less from 3-point land.
The Rebels make up for their subpar shooting with phenomenal passing. Ole Miss has a 1.17 assist-to-turnover ratio. If Kentucky can’t stop the Rebels’ impressive ball movement, Ole Miss will be the next team to pass them up.
Keys for Kentucky WBB
Kentucky’s passing hasn’t been as impressive lately. Kentucky failed to reach double-digit assists in their past two games. Of course, it’s difficult to rack up assists when the team is missing one of its best scorers.
Dre’Una Edwards didn’t play on Thursday due to a disciplinary matter. UK’s leading rebounder’s absence was evident as Florida grabbed 17 more boards than UK. Worse, fans still don’t know if Edwards will be playing versus Ole Miss.
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When asked about Edwards after the Florida game, Elzy didn’t give any details regarding the future.
“It’s a disciplinary action that we’re dealing with, and we’re dealing with it internally and no further comments from there,” Elzy said.
Edwards isn’t the only ‘Cat that may not be available for Sunday’s contest. Early in the second period against Florida, Robyn Benton injured her ankle. The ‘Cats third-leading scorer never returned. Once again, Elzy didn’t say much to the media.
So, what can the ‘Cats do if both Edwards and Benton are out for Sunday’s contest? To start, play with intensity. Teams that are outmatched in talent have to show extreme hustle, and as of late, the ‘Cats have shown neither.
Kentucky’s press isn’t causing the same issues it did earlier this year. The team allows other squads to push them up and down the court. Elzy is ready to hit the reset button.
“We just have to go back, reset, refocus, and really change our mentality, a refuse to lose attitude, and that will start with me as the leader of this program, and we really have to do some soul searching,” Elzy said.
If there’s one thing Kentucky has done well lately, it’s giving Rhyne Howard the green light. The reigning SEC Player of the Year put up a combined 42 shots in the past two contests, a season-high for a two-game stretch.
Though Howard’s efficiency could be better, it could be much worse. In the last two contests, Howard went a combined 42% from the field. Howard has to keep shooting in bulk. If anybody has a big enough shovel to dig Kentucky Women’s Basketball out of this hole, it’s Howard.
Looking toward the matchup
Today’s game will be a chance at revenge for Kentucky. Despite being a lower rank, Ole Miss beat UK in both of their matchups with the ‘Cats last year. With the pressure piling on, can Kentucky find a path to success? Elzy seems to think so.
“We’re talented enough to turn this thing around, as disappointing as this is,” Elzy said. “We just have to bull up, step up to the challenge, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Tipoff is at noon in Rupp Arena on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
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