No. 16 Kentucky takes down WKU at home, prepares for SEC play in the new year

After its 88-70 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday afternoon, No. 16 Kentucky will carry an 11-1 record into 2025.

After a first quarter wherein six of the seven Wildcats to receive playing time scored, Kentucky got out to a slight, four-point lead.

The Wildcats shot 51.4% (18-of-35) in the first half to enter the locker room with a double-digit lead. Kentucky made its final eight field goal attempts to close out the second quarter, and received 10-point first-half performances from both Teonni Key and Clara Strack. In the first 20 minutes, Kentucky outscored the Hilltoppers 24-14 in the paint, and made seven of its nine layup attempts — while WKU managed to land only four of its 12 first-half layup attempts.

Once again, Kentucky got a big-time third quarter from graduate point guard Georgia Amoore, who scored nine points during the period and 21 overall, and finished with three rebounds and nine assists.

The Wildcats outscored the Hilltoppers 28-21 in the third quarter, but drew an even 22-22 in the fourth. In a mismatched free-throw comparison, the Hilltoppers made 18 of their 23 attempts. The Wildcats made eight, but only attempted 10.

For the first time this season, Kentucky received a double-figure game from junior guard Saniah Tyler, who averaged 10.2 points and 26.8 minutes per game for the Wildcats last year under former head coach Kyra Elzy. Prior to Saturday’s matchup, Tyler had played in only six contests under Kenny Brooks. Against the Hilltoppers, Tyler finished with 11 points. She joined Strack, Key and Amoore in double-figure scoring.

Strack finished with 21 points, and grabbed 12 rebounds for the double-double. She added one assist and one block. Key finished with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Amelia Hassett contributed nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals.

The Hilltoppers will bring a record of 9-3 into Conference USA play. Alexis Mead led WKU in scoring with 18 points. Acacia Hayes scored 14, Destiny Salary 11 and Josie Gilvin 10.

Next game

Mississippi State at No. 16 Kentucky

When: Jan. 2 at 7 p.m.

TV: SEC Network+ (online only)

Radio: WLAP-AM 630

Records: Mississippi State 12-1, Kentucky 11-1

Series: Kentucky leads 32-24

Last meeting: Kentucky won 78-68 on Feb. 22, 2024, in Starkville, Miss.

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