UK’s star sets another program record as Wildcats crush Tennessee in SEC Tournament
In its final game of the regular season, the University of Kentucky women’s basketball team appeared to be sleepwalking through what became a disappointing 70-64 loss at Vanderbilt. Apparently, that setback against the Commodores was more wake-up call than alarm bell.
Behind another masterful performance from Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Rhyne Howard, the 16th-ranked Wildcats pounded Tennessee 86-65 in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., on Friday night.
It’s just the second time Kentucky (22-7) has beaten Tennessee in the SEC Tournament and the first time under head coach Matthew Mitchell. The Cats had lost seven straight to the Volunteers in the tournament heading into the matchup.
Howard has had Tennessee’s number this season. She scored 37 points in UK’s 80-76 win over the Volunteers in Lexington on Jan. 5. On Friday, Howard had game-highs with 24 points and eight rebounds. The sophomore star broke the program’s single-season record for three-pointers in the process, knocking down five of eight shots from the perimeter to give her 82 on the year, one more than Sara Potts. For good measure, Howard added four assists and three steals.
“I think she gave the people what they came to see,” assistant coach Kyra Elzy said on the UK Radio Network postgame show. “She’s the SEC (player of the year) for a reason. She’s super talented, she makes unbelievable plays but the thing about Rhyne is she’s so unselfish.”
It was among Kentucky’s most complete games this season. The third-seeded Wildcats never trailed and they matched the much bigger Volunteers in the rebounding battle, 36-36. Sixth-seeded Tennessee (21-10) entered the game second in the nation in rebounds per game.
“There’s no such thing as moral victories but 36-all, today we’re going to take it,” Elzy said with a laugh. “We just really challenged them to be tough and play through physical play.”
Kentucky shot 51 percent from the field and scored 19 points off 19 turnovers. On the SEC Network postgame show, Mitchell appeared to be under the weather. But UK’s effort against the Vols was a perfect elixir.
“I’m on the mend,” Mitchell said. “That shooting performance tonight will make you feel a lot better.”
Three Wildcats joined Howard in scoring double figures. Tatyana Wyatt scored 14 on 7-for-10 shooting, while Sabrina Haines pitched in 12 points and four assists. Chasity Patterson came off the bench to score 11 points. UK had 15 total assists, with Jaida Roper dishing out five to lead the way.
The Cats will face a stiff test in Saturday night’s semifinals, but it’s one they’ve aced once already this season. UK will take on second-seeded Mississippi State, the tournament’s defending champion, in Saturday’s second matchup. First-seeded South Carolina and fifth-seeded Arkansas will meet in the first semifinal at 5 p.m.
Kentucky beat Mississippi State 73-62 in Lexington on Feb. 16. Another win against the ninth-ranked Bulldogs would bolster the Wildcats’ chances of earning one of the top 16 seeds in the NCAA Tournament, which would mean they’d host the first two rounds of the tournament in Lexington.
SEC Tournament
When: Through Sunday
Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
Kentucky’s next game: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday in semifinals (ESPNU)
Kentucky’s opponent: Second-seeded Mississippi State
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 11:35 PM.
