In a hard-fought game, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles defeated the Kentucky Wildcats with a final score of 59-48. The Wildcats now have a record of 2-2 for the season, while the Eagles improve to 3-1.
Despite the loss, Kentucky’s women’s basketball program is celebrating its 50th season and currently has an impressive all-time record of 896-590. Head coach Kyra Elzy is in her fourth season leading the Wildcats and has a 51-42 overall record.
Kentucky’s next challenge will be facing No. 14/18 NC State on Thursday, Nov. 25 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
In this particular matchup, Kentucky used a starting combination of Brooklynn Miles, Saniah Tyler, Ajae Petty, Emma King, and Amiya Jenkins for the first time this season. Despite their efforts, the team was unable to secure a win.
Kentucky fought hard on the boards and outrebounded Florida Gulf Coast with a 38-31 advantage. This marks the fourth consecutive game in which the Wildcats have outrebounded their opponents. In addition, Kentucky dominated in second-chance points, leading Florida Gulf Coast 16-7.
The game started with the Eagles going on an 11-0 run in the opening minutes, capitalizing on two early turnovers by Kentucky. Despite the Wildcats’ efforts to stay in the game, they struggled to close the gap and were down 18-7 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Kentucky showed signs of resilience, scoring 10 points to Florida Gulf Coast’s nine. However, they closed out the quarter with a three-minute scoring drought. Despite this, the Wildcats held the Eagles to just one free throw and one layup during that time.
At halftime, Kentucky trailed Florida Gulf Coast 30-19. The Wildcats had struggled with turnovers, committing ten in the first half alone, which allowed the Eagles to score 14 points off those miscues.
The second half started bleakly for Kentucky as Florida Gulf Coast went on a 12-2 run in the first two-and-a-half minutes, extending their lead to 21 points. However, the Wildcats showed resilience once again, holding the Eagles without a field goal for five minutes while going on a 10-4 run themselves. Unfortunately, Florida Gulf Coast rallied back with a 9-0 run to end the third quarter, leading 55-31.
In the fourth quarter, Kentucky came alive, going on an impressive 11-0 run to cut Florida Gulf Coast’s lead to 13 points. They continued to fight, outscoring the Eagles 17-4 in the final quarter. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the win, and the Wildcats ultimately fell short, losing by a final score of 59-48.
Despite the loss, there were standout performances from individual players. Sophomore guard Amiya Jenkins led Kentucky in scoring with a career-high 18 points. She also contributed six rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Ajae Petty, a senior forward, recorded her second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. She also added two blocks, one assist, and one steal.
Both players have been consistent contributors for the Wildcats this season. Jenkins has recorded at least one steal in all four games, while Petty has scored in double digits for five consecutive games.
Overall, it was a tough game for the Wildcats, but they showed determination and fought until the very end. They will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against NC State.
