FINAL: Eniya Russell's game-winner leads Kentucky WBB past Boston College 83-81
Coming into Thursday night’s game, it was evident that it would be tough for a struggling Kentucky WBB squad to top Boston College. Despite that, the Wildcats were resilient against the Eagles and came up with a close win in the end at the Transylvania Clive M. Beck Center.
Senior guard Eniya Russell had a career night in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge, especially considering the absence of sophomore Amiya Jenkins, who was out due to injury. Russell would finish with a team-leading 21 points and the eventual game-winning layup to get Kentucky (3-5) a much-needed 83-81 victory. UK will need to see Russell’s success continue to turn the season around. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the ‘Cats.
The game between the Wildcats and the Eagles was scheduled for 7:00 ET, but the action began before tipoff.
In a release from UK Athletics, it was made official that sophomore forward Zennia Thomas is suspended indefinitely from the team due to a “disciplinary matter”. The official statement read as follows: “Zennia Thomas will not be available for the Kentucky-Boston College game. The sophomore forward is suspended indefinitely for a disciplinary matter that is being handled internally.”
Within that statement, UK also slipped in that fellow sophomore Amiya Jenkins would be out against the Eagles due to a shoulder injury. Jenkins is averaging 8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for Kentucky this season. Her absence was felt against Boston College, but the ‘Cats were still able to hang with the Eagles.
Senior Maddie Scherr stepped up early against Boston College, posting 13 points on 4-9 (44%) shooting. She had three assists to go along with two blocks as well. However, she exited the game after hitting her head on the floor with 3:58 to go in the third quarter and did not return.
For the first time all season, fifth-year senior Emma King made a real impact on the game. After being given the nod in the starting lineup, King did not shy away from the spotlight. In just the first half alone, King put up five points, three of which came from a crucial corner three. She also grabbed just as many rebounds in the first half as well.
Kings’ big night wasn’t done there, as she would wrap things up with nine points and seven rebounds. Ajae Petty‘s 17 points and eight rebounds along with Saniah Tyler‘s 11 points on 3-4 shooting from deep were the icing on the cake in the Wildcats’ win.
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