In an impressive performance on Sunday, Kentucky women’s basketball guard Brooklyn Miles showcased her scoring ability while still facilitating for her teammates. Miles, a junior from Frankfort, notched a career-high 13 points and six assists, helping lead the Wildcats to a 72-59 victory over Samford at the Clive M. Beck Center at Transylvania University.
Kentucky head coach Kyra Elzy praised Miles’ performance and credited her for adjusting to the opposing defense. Elzy highlighted the importance of Miles being aggressive and making plays. She stated, “To see her cut, make layups, make plays and be aggressive, that’s what we’re going to need from her.”
Senior guard Ajae Petty led the Wildcats with a game-high 22 points and also contributed 13 rebounds, marking her seventh double-double of the season. Maddie Scherr had an excellent all-around game, recording 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one blocked shot, and one steal.
Kentucky took the lead early in the game, with Petty’s free throw giving them the initial advantage. They would go on to establish a four-point lead at 7-3 on a layup by Petty. The Wildcats maintained their lead throughout the first quarter, extending it to as many as seven points and finishing the period with a 21-17 lead.
However, Samford started the second quarter strong, scoring the first nine points to take a 26-21 lead. Petty responded with five consecutive points, tying the game at 26-26. The lead changed hands several times before halftime, but baskets from Cassidy Rowe and Maddie Scherr enabled Kentucky to take a 32-30 lead at the break.
Coming out of halftime, the Wildcats continued their momentum by scoring the first seven points of the third quarter, pushing their lead to 39-30. Samford made a run and narrowed the gap to 44-40, but Kentucky held onto a 50-44 lead heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Kentucky quickly regained control of the game with a 12-0 run, effectively sealing the victory. The Wildcats now set their sights on their Southeastern Conference opener against Arkansas, set to take place on Thursday at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network Plus.
