In a tough match-up on Sunday, the Kentucky women’s basketball team suffered a loss to Tennessee, with a final score of 87-69. Despite the defeat, Ajae Petty showcased her talent once again, securing her ninth double-double of the season with 14 points and 14 rebounds. This impressive performance marked Petty’s third consecutive double-double.
Eniya Russell made an impact off the bench, leading UK in scoring with 16 points. Maddie Scherr also contributed to the team’s efforts with 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Saniya Tyler added valuable points with 10 on the board.
Kentucky showed resilience throughout the game, forcing 16 turnovers from Tennessee and capitalizing on those mistakes to score 17 points. However, the Lady Vols’ accuracy at the free-throw line proved to be a decisive factor, as they made 19 of their 25 attempts, compared to Kentucky’s five successful shots out of eight.
UK started the game strong, taking an early lead with baskets from Scherr and Brooklynn Miles after Tennessee scored the first basket. The Cats managed to maintain their advantage, with baskets from Tyler and Petty extending their lead to 8-4. Despite being held scoreless for the final 4:31 of the first quarter, Kentucky held an 18-14 lead.
During the second quarter, Tennessee fought back, narrowing the gap to just one point at 18-17. However, Kentucky responded with a three-pointer from Cassidy Rowe, sparking a 15-5 run that gave them a comfortable 33-22 lead. The Cats then solidified their lead with a layup from Russell and five consecutive points from Tyler, extending their advantage to 40-24. Kentucky entered halftime with a 49-39 lead.
In the third quarter, Tennessee began to chip away at Kentucky’s lead, tying the game at 55-55 with 4:39 remaining. Scherr interrupted the Lady Vols’ streak with a jumper in the lane after a timeout by UK. However, Tennessee responded with four consecutive free throws to take a 59-57 lead. Kentucky fought back, reclaiming the lead with a layup and free throw from Russell, putting them up 60-59 with 1:44 left in the period. Unfortunately, the Lady Vols closed out the quarter with seven consecutive points, holding a 66-60 advantage.
Tennessee continued to extend its lead in the fourth quarter, ultimately securing their biggest lead of the game and sealing the victory. Kentucky will have a chance to bounce back on Thursday night as they host Vanderbilt at Rupp Arena. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on SEC Network Plus.
