No. 15 Kentucky women’s basketball turns back upset bid, moves to 5-0
The 15th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (5-0) avoided a major upset in their 79-67 comeback victory on Monday night in Memorial Coliseum against Purdue Fort Wayne (2-2).
After a difficult first quarter, during which the Mastodons sank five 3-pointers, the Wildcats trailed for the majority of three periods. Kentucky did not take its first lead until 1:45 to play in the third quarter, and entered the final period with a one-point advantage. A dominant fourth quarter protected the Wildcats’ perfect record in its first season under coach Kenny Brooks.
Georgia Amoore came up big in the third quarter, scoring eight points after contributing just three in the entire first half. She finished with a team-high 23.
It was another big night for graduate shooting guard Dazia Lawrence, who finished with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. She also grabbed one steal. Lawrence exited the game with 8:21 to play in the fourth quarter after taking a hard foul that was, upon review, upgraded to an intentional foul. She returned with 5:06 to play.
Amoore and Lawrence were joined in double-figure scoring by junior forward Teonni Key, who added 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and five blocks, and sophomore center Clara Strack, who contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Junior forward Amelia Hassett added three points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block.
Kentucky blocked 11 shots on the night.
The Wildcats struggled with personal fouls throughout the contest, much to the chagrin of a quite vocal selection of Big Blue Nation in attendance; Kentucky committed 19 fouls in the game.
Next game
No. 15 Kentucky vs. Arizona State
What: Music City Classic
When: 4:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 26 at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee
TV: BALLERtv
Radio: WLAP-AM 630
Records: Kentucky 5-0, Arizona State 3-2
Series: Tied 1-1
Last meeting: Arizona State won 73-71 in Lexington on Dec. 11, 2016
