Kentucky WBB returns from break with blowout win over UNC Greensboro
If you were worried how a long break would affect the Kentucky women’s basketball team, rest assured, the ‘Cats haven’t lost their touch.
On Sunday afternoon, Kentucky (6-1) dominated the UNC Greensboro Spartans (4-4) from start to finish in an 82-56 blowout. The contest was UK’s first in 10 days, last competing in the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship in the Bahamas.
Jada Walker had a fantastic day, recording 20 points and four assists while shooting 7-9 from the field and 5-6 from the charity stripe. Walker’s 20 points are her second-most this season, only trailing her 21-point performance against Coastal Carolina.
Walker wasn’t alone in her big day. As a team, Kentucky had one of its best performances of the season. The team shot 32-55 (58%) from the field and 4-14 (29%) from 3-point land. Per usual, Kentucky’s defense was a factor, forcing 24 UNC Greensboro turnovers.
Best start of the season
Kentucky must have recharged its batteries during its extended hiatus because the ‘Cats had an electric start. In the first quarter, the team shot 12-17 from the field and 2-4 from downtown. The team was just as dynamic on defense.
Kentucky’s pesky press caused nine opponent turnovers in a mere 10 minutes. For reference, the Spartans entered this game averaging 15 turnovers per contest. The ‘Cats pounced on the opposition’s mistakes, scoring over half their first-period points off turnovers.
After a late 10-0 Kentucky run, the Wildcats strolled into the second frame with a comfortable 27-15 lead.
Individual Kentucky performances steal the show
Kentucky’s pretty performance only got prettier in the second quarter. Walker continued to dominate, finishing the half with 14 points and four assists on 5-7 shooting. After the win, head coach Kyra Elzy discussed her star point guard’s performance.
“She set the tone for us offensively and defensively. I asked her to play downhill, start the game that way, and she attacked the paint, made some big shots for us,” Elzy said during the postgame press conference.
Walker wasn’t the only one feeling it in the second frame. Kennedy Cambridge made her collegiate debut in the period and, more importantly, put on a show. In seven minutes, the freshman guard recorded six points while adding three rebounds to the team’s effort, as well.
Fueled by spectacular individual performances, Kentucky more than tripled UNC Greenboro’s point total in the second quarter. The ‘Cats skipped into the halftime break ahead 48-21.
Kentucky looks sluggish in the third
Kentucky came out of the break cold. Worse, they were sloppy. The ‘Cats couldn’t find a rhythm early in the third quarter, committing four turnovers. The team’s ugly second-half start came to a head when they went scoreless for nearly three minutes.
Elzy had seen enough. The 44-year-old head coach called a timeout to give her team a little extra motivation. The ‘Cats were a different team for the next three minutes. They resorted back to their fullcourt press and forced four Spartan turnovers in the final three minutes of the period.
Elzy let the media in on her message to the ‘Cats during the timeout.
“It was not a happy message,” Elzy recalled. “We can’t have lulls in the game, and it is a game of runs but it should be because of our intensity or lack of effort.”
With the late-quarter boost, the ‘Cats went into the final 10 minutes of the outing with a strong 68-39 lead.
Ajae Petty finishes strong
The fourth quarter wasn’t Kentucky’s best showing, but it didn’t need to be. The ‘Cats shot 5-12 from the field in the period. Despite the team’s mediocre finish, the period gave Kentucky’s bench a chance to shine.
With a smooth finish, freshman Amiya Jenkins brought her second-half total to eight points. Additionally, junior Ajae Petty scored five fourth-quarter points, securing a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. When the clock ran out, Kentucky boasted an 82-56 victory.
Kentucky’s work down low was key to their victory. The ‘Cats recorded 44 paint points compared to the Spartans’ 32. Moreover, UK nearly doubled UNC Greensboro’s second-chance points despite being out-rebounded on the offensive glass.
It goes without saying Kentucky’s defense was excellent. 20 or more opponent turnovers have become routine for the ‘Cats and the Spartans were no exception. UNC Greensboro committed 24 turnovers in the game. In turn, Kentucky scored 29 points off their enemy’s mistakes.
The win was a team effort. Along with Walker and Petty, Robyn Benton scored in double figures, as well. The graduate student recorded 14 points while shooting 6-12 from the field and 2-3 from deep. Moreover, Benton accomplished this feat in just 21 minutes.
Hopefully, Kentucky enjoyed their long break because they have a gauntlet ahead of them. In the next seven days, Kentucky will take on two formidable opponents. First, the ‘Cats will square off against Minnesota on Wednesday. Following that, UK will take on No. 18 Louisville in Rupp Arena. Despite the challenge, Elzy believes her team is ready.
“Let me tell you, they’re super ready,” Elzy said following the win. “It’s a big week for us coming up and they are extremely excited.”
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