Pair of forwards leads the way as No. 14 Kentucky dominates Austin Peay
There was no Thanksgiving hangover for the University of Kentucky women’s basketball team on Sunday.
Fueled by a big day from KeKe McKinney and a major contribution from Ogechi Anyagaligbo, the No. 14 Wildcats played their most complete game of the season as they dismantled Austin Peay 81-52 in Memorial Coliseum to improve to 7-0.
UK put together its most efficient offensive game of the year, hitting 34 of 60 shots from the field for a season-best 57 percent while hounding the Governors relentlessly on defense — the Cats forced 22 turnovers and converted them into 22 points.
McKinney made the most of her touches, hitting five of seven shots to match her season-high with 12 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists. She patrolled the post all game long, helping UK hold the Governors to 22 points in the paint and 33-percent field-goal shooting. She was also the Wildcats’ most vocal cheerleader while on the bench.
“She has great enthusiasm,” said UK Coach Matthew Mitchell when asked about McKinney’s demeanor when not on the floor. “She’s making sure her lip gloss is (nearby) and her lips are staying hydrated. She’s just full of energy … She’s definitely one of the major factors for us emotionally and leadership-wise.”
Mitchell credited McKinney with helping lift the team out of a post-holiday malaise while preparing for Sunday’s game.
“We had a couple of days off for Thanksgiving and the first practice back sometimes can be a little rocky and she was very vocal that day, doing a really good job,” Mitchell said. “She’s having a lot of fun over there on the bench when she’s out of the game because she just loves her teammates so much.”
Asked about her cheerleading philosophy, McKinney said, “I love to see my teammates do well. So when they make a big play you know I’m gonna turn ‘em up.”
UK also got a huge lift from Anyagaligbo. The senior forward made her first start of the year in place of Tatyana Wyatt, who sat out because of illness. Anyagaligbo pitched in 10 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes. She also played 23 minutes during a 10-point performance in UK’s 67-44 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the second game of the season. She hadn’t played more than 10 minutes in any other game before Sunday.
Senior guard Jaida Roper said it was thrilling to watch Anyagaligbo thrive against the Governors.
“I really enjoyed it because Ogechi is a really tough player, she’s a tough person because she’s battled so many injuries and bounced back,” Roper said. “Finally seeing her get in her rhythm and play her game … I enjoyed it for her.”
Kentucky jumped all over Austin Peay out of the gate, hitting four of its first five shots to build an 11-2 lead two minutes into the game. Sabrina Haines’ pull-up three-pointer in transition capped the run and prompted a timeout by the Governors. The Wildcats cooled off down the stretch, hitting just three of their next 13 shots. Brianah Ferby’s layup at the buzzer pulled Austin Peay (5-2) within 24-17 at the end of the first quarter.
Kentucky came out with a renewed intensity in the second quarter, quickly putting together a 7-0 run punctuated by Rhyne Howard’s step-back three-pointer off a steal. The Cats continued to pour it on, with Roper’s three-pointer stretching the lead to 42-19. In the closing seconds of the second quarter Emma King muscled home a layup through contact and sank the free throw to send the Cats to the locker room with a 45-23 lead.
Howard scored a team-high 14 points on 6-for-14 shooting. Roper hit all four of her shots, scoring 10 points while dishing out four assists. Haines chipped in 10 points and a game-high nine rebounds.
Next game
Charlotte at No. 14 Kentucky
11 a.m. Wednesday (SEC Plus online)
This story was originally published December 1, 2019 at 5:59 PM.
