RECAP: Kentucky WBB kicks off SEC play with 84-76 win over Georgia

After an 18-day break, Kentucky Women’s Basketball secured their most impressive win of the season.

On Thursday evening, the No. 21 Wildcats (8-3) defeated the No. 15 Bulldogs (12-3) by a score of 84-76 in an empty Memorial Coliseum. Due to inclement weather, the program advised fans not to attend the game.

The win is Kentucky’s first triumph over a ranked opponent this season. Moreover, the contest was Kentucky’s first game of conference play; not a bad start.

Rhyne Howard led the way for Kentucky with a season-high 30 points. Additionally, Howard recorded five boards and played 37 minutes. The 6-foot-2 guard put the game on ice, going a perfect 5-5 from the charity stripe.

Kentucky performed excellently as a team, as well. The ‘Cats shot 52% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc. Further, the team only committed 11 turnovers.

Here’s how UK sent the Bulldogs back to Athens with their tails tucked between their legs.

First @SEC Dub ✅😼#CommitToIt pic.twitter.com/UZk0nxNwD1

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) January 7, 2022

Jazmine Massengill excites early

Kentucky’s rust was obvious in the first couple of minutes in the contest. Georgia hopped out to a quick 9-3 lead. Nonetheless, the ‘Cats battled back. The team rattled off eight unanswered points to take their first lead of the game.

The Wildcats’ burst of offense was fueled by Jazmine Massengill’s unexpected scoring. The senior point guard outscored her season average of 6.3 points per game with seven points in the first frame. Powered by Massengill’s buckets, the ‘Cats strolled into the second period ahead 20-18.

Elzy discussed the importance of Massengill’s first-quarter explosion.

“She was the coach on the floor,” Elzy said in the postgame press conference. “Her intensity and her basketball IQ helped us get this one tonight.”

Kentucky WBB’s pesky defense

The second period reaffirmed everyone’s suspicions: this game was going to be a battle. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Kentucky was winning the war. The ‘Cats defense gave the Bulldogs fits throughout the first half.

At halftime, Georgia already had 10 turnovers. For reference, the Bulldogs are only averaging 15.6 turnovers per contest. Additionally, the ‘Cats were ruling the paint. Kentucky gave up no easy buckets, blocking the Bulldogs six times in the first half.

ANOTHER ONE 😤 @IhoopDrea44

📺 @SECNetwork +
📱 https://t.co/4z4CVVvnxg pic.twitter.com/Z0qX70PSLs

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) January 7, 2022

On the other end of the court, Rhyne Howard was breaking records. With a layup halfway through the frame, Howard surpassed Victoria Dunlap to become third on the Kentucky Women’s Basketball all-time scoring list. Kentucky held a 39-35 lead at halftime.

Thrilling third for Kentucky WBB

The break seemingly iced both teams. Neither squad could find their rhythm early in the second half. Kentucky went scoreless for nearly three minutes before Olivia Owens knocked down a jumper.

While both teams weren’t at their best, Georgia looked slightly better. The Bulldogs took control of the game 49-47 with 3:03 left in the frame. The final three minutes of the period was a whirlwind.

Howard and Edwards exploded, while Georgia superstar Jenna Staiti held her own on the other end. Kentucky’s dynamic duo recorded 11 of UK’s third-quarter points. The ‘Cats found themselves leading the Bulldogs 58-57 going into the final 10 minutes of the game.

Rhyne Tyme returns

If all else fails, give the ball to Rhyne Howard; Kentucky did just that in the final period. Howard scored eight points in the first four minutes of the fourth frame.

After scoring 30 points tonight, @howard_rhyne is now 3⃣rd on Kentucky's all-time scoring list! 💪#CrownHer 👑 pic.twitter.com/TUksK4GlDe

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) January 7, 2022

Howard’s spectacular performance quickly became a contest against Staiti. The two powerhouse SEC players scored back-and-forth as if they were stuck on some scoring seesaw.

Howard spoke on her crazy final period after the contest.

“It was just about stepping up and being able to finish out the game and continuing to go hard so my teammates will follow behind me,” Howard said. “I have to be able to make those 50/50 plays like tying the ball up or the hustle plays because those are the things that don’t go on the stat sheet.”

Rest assured, Howard did more than enough on the stat sheet. In spite of Staiti’s 26-point scoring effort, Howard outshined the Bulldog. The senior Wildcat dropped 17 points in the fourth quarter alone, carrying the Wildcats to an 84-76 victory.

In the game, Kentucky forced 19 Georgia turnovers. Furthermore, the ‘Cats capitalized on the Bulldogs’ mistakes. Kentucky scored 20 points off UGA turnovers.

The win is a revenge story for the ‘Cats, who were knocked out of the SEC Tournament by Georgia last season. More importantly, the triumph is reassuring to the ‘Cats after an extended break. Kentucky is in a better place than they’ve been all season.

Kentucky will undoubtedly need all the momentum they can find as they head into Sunday afternoon’s contest against No. 1 South Carolina. Tip-off will be at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.