Kentucky WBB goes winless at Paradise Jam event in U.S. Virgin Islands

Starting on Thanksgiving and continuing through Saturday, the Kentucky women’s basketball team played three games in three days against No. 10 NC State, No. 3 Colorado, and Cincinnati.

Unfortunately for Kyra Elzy and the Lady ‘Cats, they didn’t put up much of a fight against their competition. Kentucky’s 55 points against NC State would be their most in a single game during the Paradise Jam. Additionally, Kentucky’s average margin of defeat was 32 points. They lost all three outings by a combined 82 points. UK is now sitting on a disappointing 2-5 record this season.

Here’s how it all went down.

‘Cats can’t run with the Wolfpack

Kentucky’s first game in the Paradise Jam was all but over by the end of the first quarter. NC State led 31-16 after 10 minutes of play. Things only continued to get worse as the Wolfpack led 55-24 at the half and then ultimately won the game by a score of 84-55. The No. 10 NC Wolfpack had their way with Kentucky the whole way through.

Saniah Tyler, Eniya Russell, and Ajae Petty all led the way for the ‘Cats with nine points each. Maddie Scherr made her return to the floor after recovering from an ankle injury, but she struggled to find efficient shots. Scherr scored seven points on just 2-10 shooting (1-4 from three). Amiya Jenkins put up eight points and six rebounds as well in the losing effort.

Buffaloes too big for UK to handle

Just like the game against NC State, Kentucky fell behind early after a sluggish start against No. 3 Colorado.

The deficit wasn’t as big, however, considering Kentucky was down 25-14 after the first quarter. Kyra Elzy and her team fought for as long as they could, as both teams scored 20 points in the second quarter, making it 45-34 at the half. Then, Colorado kicked it into hyperdrive, and Kentucky just couldn’t keep up. The Buffs won 96-53 in the end.

Again, Eniya Russell was the scoring leader for Kentuck, as she put up 14 points on 5-8 (63%) shooting. She was also a solid contributor on the defensive side of the ball, posting two blocks and a steal. Maddie Scherr (13) and Ajae Petty (11) were the only other ‘Cats in double-digits in scoring. Petty grabbed seven rebounds, but she also committed 10 turnovers.

Kentucky leaves the Virgin Islands winless

Last season, the Cincinnati Bearcats went 9-21 overall and finished last in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Heading into their game against Kentucky, Cincinnati was 2-3. They had lost their first two games of the Paradise Jam as well, so there were signs that Kentucky had a chance to win. However, Kentucky couldn’t keep up with the Bearcats, and Cincinnati won the game 65-41.

For Kentucky, this game was all Maddie Scherr. Scherr put up 25 points behind five three-pointers and 8-19 shooting overall from the field. The senior guard accounted for over 60% of the team’s scoring. Saniah Tyler’s five points were the next highest on the team. Ajae Petty struggled yet again, scoring just four points while committing just as many turnovers.

Later this week on November 30th, Kentucky will look to turn things around and defend home court at Transy’s Clive M. Beck Center against Boston College in the inaugural SEC/ACC Challenge. The game will start at 7:00 p.m. EST and will be streamed on the SEC Network.