#15 Kentucky cruises in win over Charlotte

Rhyne Howard career game (photo credit Kentucky WBB)

By Lukas Witt (11 years old)

I got firsthand media access to Kentucky’s commanding win against the Charlotte 49ers 86-39 on Education Day at Memorial Coliseum, with 1000 local students in attendance sending their record to an impressive 8-0. Kentucky started out quick and went on a 10-0 run and didn’t look back as the Cats took their biggest lead of 47 in the 4th quarter with just 10 seconds left to play in the game. Kentucky spent 39 minutes and 36 seconds leading the game and was tied at the 0-0 mark. In the press conference Coach Mitchell stated, “if Rhyne Howard is open I want her to shoot, if she is open 1000 times I want her to take 1000 3s, she shoots 3s when she is on a roll like others shoot layups, so if she’s open from the 3 I want her taking that shot.” With that said Howard had another outstanding performance and finished with 29 points, 7-8 from the charity line, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 7 rebounds. Sabrina Haines is continuing to be efficient on both ends of the floor and added 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in another great game. Jaida Roper continues to come off the bench and add valuable minutes, she finished the day with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. Amanda Pascal and Tatyana Wyatt both bring aggressive play on both ends of the floor and things you won’t see on the stat sheet. It says how hard this team plays from tip to the final buzzer, up 45 points with just at a minute left in the game Nae Nae Cole dives on the floor after a loose ball. Grit, toughness and solid play continues to carry this team as they look to go 9-0 against the Samford Bulldogs on Sunday, December 8 at 2 pm in Memorial and can be seen on the SECNetwork.

Kentucky tops #1 Michigan State in season opener

EJ Montgomery fights for a rebound (photo credit Teresa Fraley)

By Lukas Witt

Opening night of college basketball kicks off at the Historic Madison Square Garden for the State Farm Champions Classic between the #1 Michigan State Spartans and #2 Kentucky Wildcats. Both teams got off to a slow start but that didn’t last long as Kentucky’s veteran Ashton Hagans made some key shots to get things rolling finishing the night with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Sophomore guard Immanuel Quickley finished in double digits again with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. EJ Montgomery looked more comfortable on both ends of the floor finishing with 6 points and 2 rebounds but made an impact you won’t see in the box score. Nick Richards came off the bench tonight after rolling an ankle in the last exhibition game and finished with 5 points and 5 rebounds before fouling out late in the 2nd half. Holly Rowe asked Coach Cal in pre-game where he could find a shot if needed, his response was that he didn’t know because it was early in the season. After tonight it’s clear that Coach Cal has an idea where shots can be found when needed. Freshman guard Tyrese Maxey had a breakout college debut finishing with 26 points, including 3 deep bombs from behind the arch, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Kentucky will take on Eastern Kentucky University at Rupp on Friday, November 8 at 7pm it can be seen on the SEC Network.