Rhyne Howard now 2nd on Kentucky's all-time scoring list

It only took about three and a half minutes for Rhyne Howard to make history on Thursday night.

In Kentucky’s 78-63 victory over Missouri, Howard dropped 19 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. The senior guard was 5-13 from the field and a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe. As impressive as Howard’s statistics are, her new position on Kentucky’s all-time scoring list is even more baffling.

Kyra Elzy on Rhyne Howard’s achievment

With 6:37 left in the first frame, Howard drained a 3-pointer from the left-wing. The basket officially moved Howard to No. 2 on Kentucky’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Wildcat legend Dan Issel. Head coach Kyra Elzy discussed Howard’s achievement after the game.

With this 3, Rhyne Howard passed Dan Issel in career points with 2,141, making her the second highest scorer in Kentucky basketball (men's or women's) history. 👑

📺 @SECNetwork +
📱 https://t.co/ylfPH5dBkB#CrownHer x @howard_rhyne pic.twitter.com/RZETcf8yLZ

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) February 25, 2022

“She continues to add to the accolades. Her career at Kentucky just speaks for itself. She’s a phenomenal player She’s worked really hard,” Elzy said during the postgame press conference. “Everything that she is achieving, she’s worked for.“

After Thursday’s contest, Howard has a career total of 2,153 points. While she won’t be able to pass Valerie Still’s mark of 2,763 points, Howard’s impact on Kentucky is immeasurable.

The 6-foot-2 guard has averaged 19.9 points, 3.9 assists and seven rebounds per game throughout her career. Unsurprisingly, Howard’s endless accolades reflect her stunning statline. The guard is a two-time SEC Player of the Year, Cheryl Miller Award finalist and two-time Associated Press First-Team All-American.

Dre’Una Edwards gives love to her teammate

Howard is as beloved by her teammates as her coach. Perhaps there’s no greater example of this respect than Dre’Una Edwards’ comments on Howard after defeating Alabama on Feb. 13. In the contest, Edwards recorded 24 points and seven boards, yet praised Howard in the postgame press conference.

“Everyone hones in a lot on Rhyne Howard, as they should. She’s a great player. Whenever they’re doubling her, we can’t give her the ball. Someone else has to step up and tonight that was me,” Edwards said.

No matter how many points Rhyne Howard scores, she will undoubtedly affect the game. She is an icon of Kentucky Women’s Basketball. A legend. Fans undoubtedly think of her as such.

Pay your respects. https://t.co/siNafSyUQs

— Jake Logsdon ♊ (@JakeTLogsdon33) February 25, 2022

🐐 https://t.co/EEDNgPMOQO

— Rev. Josh Miller (@JMillzTweetz) February 25, 2022

Unfortunately, all good things must end. Rhyne Howard’s time at Kentucky is ending. Nevertheless, with five wins in a row and a growing chance of making the NCAA Tournament, Rhyne Howard will leave ‘Cats fans with something to remember.

Kentucky fans will have their last chance ever to witness Rhyne Howard’s greatness in Memorial Coliseum on Sunday for Senior Day. The Wildcats will face the Auburn Tigers at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.