Kentucky Women’s Basketball defeats SHU to close out non-conference play

Kentucky’s women’s basketball team ended 2018 the same way that it started: by winning. The eighteenth-ranked Cats defeated the Sacred Heart Pioneers 71-43. Despite the final margin, Kentucky struggled early against SHU, so head coach Matthew Mitchell will likely prepare the team to correct their wrongs.

The two seniors on Kentucky’s roster, Taylor Murray and Maci Morris, were crucial in today’s victory. They combined 28 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Eight players scored for UK, showing how fluid and dangerous this offense can be when executed to its potential. The Cats were successful in the half court press today, but didn’t get their signature turnovers in the first half. In the huddle, Mitchell continued to preach “Intensity, don’t let up!”

Another bright spot in the victory was Kentucky’s post players, who contributed to UK’s 57 rebounds. KeKe McKinney and Tatyana Wyatt combined for 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks. The team was fluid, cohesive, made smart shots, and hustled for every second.

With today’s victory, UK improves to 13-1 and will face the Vanderbilt Commodores on January 3rd at Memorial Coliseum. Vanderbilt is 5-8 and is struggling defensively and may allow the Cats to get open looks.

This Wildcats team is one that you won’t want to miss and will be a “sleeper” team in the SEC. When some key players get hot and the team is clicking defensively, this UK team can make a lot of noise.

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