RECAP: Kentucky WBB honors Rhyne Howard in 90-62 win over Auburn
Kentucky Women’s Basketball finished off their regular season with an exclamation point.
On Sunday, Kentucky Women’s Basketball dominated in a 90-62 victory over the Auburn Tigers. The win is the Wildcats’ sixth in a row. Not only was the win a promising sign for the postseason but a perfect send-off for senior Rhyne Howard.
The program deemed Sunday “Rhyne Howard Day” as they honored the Kentucky legend during her final performance in Memorial Coliseum. Howard didn’t let her fans down. The All-American went off for a season-high 32 points, hitting a record-breaking eight 3-pointers in the contest.
Howard’s energy was contagious. As a team, the ‘Cats were 32-63 (51%) from the field and 10-20 (50%) from 3-point land. Kentucky never once trailed against the Tigers. All in all, Kentucky’s final performance of the season was perhaps their best.
Unforgettable first period for Kentucky WBB
From the tip, it was clear Kentucky wasn’t going to lose on Rhyne Howard Day. Kentucky had their highest-scoring period of the season, dropping 30 points in the first quarter. Moreover, the team scored with extreme efficiency.
Kentucky’s first three shots from the field were from beyond the arc. More importantly, they were all makes. Along with her team, Howard had a jaw-dropping first period. The ‘Cat dropped 16 first-quarter points with four buckets from deep.
Coming into Sunday’s contest, Howard’s season-high made 3-pointer in a game was five. Howard was hot, and it wasn’t a coincidence.
“It was a great first quarter,” Howard said during the postgame press conference. “My teammates kept finding me, and I just kept shooting it. If they’re gonna keep going in, I’m gonna keep letting them fly.”
Fueled by their spectacular shooting, the ‘Cats strolled into the second frame ahead 30-15.
The Rhyne Howard mania continues
Howard didn’t cool down in the second quarter. The All-American had another eight points in the frame, bringing her first-half total to a ridiculous 24 points. Howard’s six-first half 3-pointers set the new program record. But Kentucky’s superstar senior wasn’t the only one putting on a show.
Dre’Una Edwards had an impressive first-half performance with 11 points and three rebounds. As fantastic as Kentucky’s offense was, they struggled on the boards.
Auburn had 12 offensive rebounds at the half compared to the UK’s mere five. Kentucky went into the break with a comfortable 47-26 lead. Nonetheless, there were still aspects of the game the ‘Cats hoped to improve.
Kentucky WBB pours it on in the third
As if the first half wasn’t enough, Kentucky piled on in the third frame. The ‘Cats scored 28 points in the period, their second-most this season behind UK’s 30-point first period.
Kentucky’s phenomenal quarter was spurred on by an 11-0 run followed by an 11-1 stretch. Head coach Kyra Elzy discussed the team’s offensive performance after the game.
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“We pushed the ball in transition, was making the extra pass,” Elzy said following the win. “I liked the intensity; just I wanted it to be more consistent.”
Kentucky was consistent enough. In addition to their high-powered offense, the ‘Cats played stellar defense. The Tigers shot a poor 3-15 in the third frame, scoring the majority of the points from the charity stripe. Auburn dragged into the final 10 minutes of the game down 75-40 to UK.
Kentucky WBB relaxes in the fourth quarter
The ‘Cats did what was necessary through the first three quarters and enjoyed themselves in the fourth.
Howard went to the bench with 6:40 left in the final period. Edwards and Massengill followed not long after. With their bench closing out the game, Kentucky shot 6-13 from the field in the final period.
While their offense wasn’t as remarkable, UK still played solid defense. The Tigers scored 22 points in the fourth quarter while shooting a mediocre 8-22 from the field. In no surprise, Kentucky walked off the court with a 90-62 win over the Tigers.
In the contest, Kentucky connected on 10 buckets from beyond the arc, tying their second-most this season. Additionally, the ‘Cats tied their season-low of eight turnovers while forcing 15 Auburn miscues.
The ‘Cats had three players score double figures. Just behind Howard, Edwards had 25 points and seven boards. Further, the forward was 9-15 from the field. Jada Walker had an excellent game, as well. The freshman guard recorded 15 points and nine rebounds.
Kentucky’s win solidified their No. 7 ranking in the conference standings. With the regular season in the rearview mirror, Kentucky’s next game will be in Nashville, Tennessee, for the SEC Tournament.
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