In a matchup against the No. 3 ranked Colorado, the Kentucky women’s basketball team fell short, losing by a score of 96-53 in the Paradise Jam on Friday. Eniya Russell led the way for the Wildcats with 14 points, closely followed by Maddie Scherr with 13 points. Ajae Petty also had a solid performance, contributing 11 points and seven rebounds.
Kentucky started off strong, scoring the first four points of the game and even building a 9-2 lead with a layup and free throw by Jenkins. However, Colorado quickly responded with a 7-0 run to tie the game. The contest remained close, with the score tied at nine, 11, and 14 before the Buffaloes closed out the first quarter on a 14-0 run, giving them a 25-14 lead after the opening 10 minutes.
In the second quarter, the Wildcats managed to cut into the Colorado lead, narrowing the gap to single digits and eventually pulling within five points at 35-30 after a three-pointer by Saniya Tyler. Scherr then brought Kentucky even closer, reducing the deficit to just three points at 37-34 with a basket. However, the Buffaloes responded with eight consecutive points, heading into halftime with a 45-34 advantage.
The third quarter saw Colorado break the game open even further. Although Kentucky scored the first point of the period, Colorado immediately answered with a 12-0 run to extend their lead to 57-35. By the end of the third quarter, the Buffaloes held a commanding 73-48 lead.
Colorado continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 20-5 and securing their victory with a final score of 96-53. The loss drops Kentucky’s record to 2-4 for the season.
The Wildcats will have a chance to bounce back on Saturday as they take on Cincinnati in the final game of the Paradise Jam. This game will be televised on ESPN Plus, allowing fans to watch and support the team.
