RECAP: Kentucky WBB drop game in Rupp 94-85 to DePaul

Thursday evening was a special night, just not for Kentucky Women’s Basketball.

For their second loss of the season, No. 14 Kentucky Women’s Basketball fell to the DePaul Blue Demons in a 94-85 shootout at Rupp Arena on Thursday night. There was no shortage of stars watching Kentucky’s first loss in Lexington this season. The ‘Cats honored former head coach Matthew Mitchell throughout the night. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to celebrate after the final buzzer sounded.

Final score from Rupp. pic.twitter.com/OTaUIzD7uk

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) December 10, 2021

Before the first second ran off the clock, the ‘Cats were at a disadvantage. Kentucky was without their second-leading scorer and leading rebounder, Dre’Una Edwards. The star forward was sidelined due to failing to uphold the team’s academic standards.

On a brighter note, not everything went poorly for the ‘Cats. Robyn Benton led Kentucky with a season-high 22 points and seven rebounds. Further, the ‘Cat did it on 11-15 shooting from the field.

As a team, Kentucky shot 46% from the field and 81% from the free-throw line. Despite these respectable figures, UK had their worst night from beyond the arc this season. The ‘Cats shot a hideous 0-14 from deep.

Of course, there was more to Kentucky’s high-scoring loss than poor three-point shooting. Here’s how the ‘Cats found themselves on the wrong side of a barn burner.

Unexpected early offense

From the tip, it was clear the contest was going to be worth the price of admission. The teams made runs back-and-forth at each other as if they were in a relay race instead of a basketball game.

Kentucky’s hot start was fueled by two unlikely sources. Early in the period, freshman Jada Walker scored six quick points to give the ‘Cats an immediate lead. It didn’t take long for DePaul to battle back though. When the starters sat down for UK, DePaul’s scoring went up.

Nonetheless, one Kentucky role player single-handedly slowed down the Blue Demons. Olivia Owens went on a solo 6-0 run to cut the ‘Cats deficit to 24-22 heading into the second frame.

Head coach Kyra Elzy spoke on Owens’ performance after the game.

“I thought Olivia was solid. We asked her to come in and be a post presence, take her time when she got the ball in the paint, which she did,” Elzy said.

Scrappy second quarter for Kentucky WBB

Things didn’t slow down in the second period. Kentucky Women’s Basketball rattled off an 8-2 run to begin the frame. As expected, DePaul answered.

The Blue Demons dominated the ‘Cats on the boards in the second frame, grabbing eight offensive boards. Kentucky’s physical effort to stop DePaul’s board barrage only made things worse.

Halfway through the period, Rhyne Howard picked up her second foul. Only a few moments later, Owens followed suit; certainly not the two players you want in foul trouble when you’re struggling to rebound. With their backs against the wall, the ‘Cats sent Howard back into the game only for her to pick up her third foul with 1:11 left in the half.

In spite of Kentucky’s second-frame struggles, they kept dancing with the Blue Demons. DePaul went into the half with a 48-43 lead.

Thank you for everything, @UKCoachMitchell! 💙 pic.twitter.com/dxkRVzGHGj

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) December 10, 2021

Robyn Benton rises to the challenge

The Wildcats’ foul issues didn’t disappear in the third frame. Only 45 seconds into the quarter, Howard received her fourth foul. After the contest, Elzy discussed dealing with Howard’s foul trouble.

“She had some tough breaks tonight, but that’s part of the game. We have to be able to adjust,” Elzy said. “She’s smart enough to understand what she needs to do in that situation.”

Despite not even playing a full minute, Howard scored six points. Unfortunately, DePaul took advantage of Howard’s newfound absence.

The Blue Demons went on a 10-0 run immediately following Howard’s foul. The ‘Cats roster was hurt, but their spirit wasn’t. The team continued to fight.

Luckily for UK, they weren’t the ones in foul trouble. Due to early DePaul fouls, Kentucky was in the bonus for the majority of the quarter. The ‘Cats shot 10 third-period free throws, equaling their first-half total.

Free throws helped the ‘Cats, but it couldn’t save them. Robyn Benton kept the ‘Cats in the contest with eight third-quarter points. Nonetheless, UK entered the final 10 minutes trailing DePaul 73-65.

ANOTHER ONE 💪

Second steal and score for @IAmRobynnnn!

📺 @SECNetwork https://t.co/9zKc0oiaQ2 pic.twitter.com/7bDXkp5IaJ

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) December 10, 2021

Quiet close for Kentucky WBB

While Kentucky roared back at the end of the third quarter, their final effort was a whimper. The ‘Cats shot 7-19 from the field and missed another five attempts from range.

To pile on, the Blue Demons doubled Kentucky’s fourth-quarter rebounding total. All the way to the end, DePaul dominated the final 10 minutes, making five of their final six attempts from the field.

When the dust settled, the ‘Cats fell 94-85 to the Blue Demons. Despite UK forcing six more turnovers than they committed, DePaul outscored the ‘Cats in points off turnovers. Additionally, Edwards’ absence was felt. DePaul out-rebounded UK 46-30 and nearly doubled the Wildcats’ second-chance points.

Although Kentucky didn’t reach its goals, it had numerous solid individual performances. Walker and Treasure Hunt both scored 18 points each. On the other hand, the duo shot a combined 12-32 from the field. Most surprisingly, Howard only scored 12 points.

Looking toward Kentucky WBB’s next matchup

Kentucky won’t have long to lick their wounds. On Sunday, the ‘Cats face their highest-ranked opponent of the season yet in Louisville. It goes without saying, there’s more at stake on Sunday than a loss.

The team will battle for state ownership on Dec. 12 in Louisville at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.