In a disappointing outcome for the Kentucky women’s basketball team, they fell to No. 10/16 NC State with a final score of 84-55. Kentucky now holds a 2-3 record for the 2023-24 season, while NC State remains undefeated at 5-0.
This match marked the fourth season for Kyra Elzy as the head coach of the Wildcats. Unfortunately, this loss brings her overall record to 51-43. Furthermore, it extends Kentucky’s losing streak against NC State to three games.
Although Kentucky started the game with a different lineup, featuring Brooklynn Miles, Maddie Scherr, Amiya Jenkins, Zennia Thomas, and Ajae Petty, their efforts were not enough to secure a victory. The Wildcats shot 27.1 percent from the field, while NC State excelled with a 54.8 percent shooting percentage.
Kentucky struggled on the boards, losing the rebound battle to NC State with a final count of 45-28. However, the Cats did have a few bright spots, making a season-best eight 3-pointers and shooting 15-of-19 from the free-throw line.
In terms of gameplay, NC State dominated from the start, going on an 11-0 run early in the first quarter. Kentucky called a timeout to regroup but failed to slow down NC State’s momentum. By the end of the first quarter, NC State held a commanding 31-16 lead.
Kentucky had a rough second quarter, with their only field goal coming from Eniya Russell with six minutes remaining. NC State continued to extend their lead, going into halftime with a substantial 31-point advantage.
The third quarter was no different, as NC State outscored Kentucky 21-10 and extended their lead to 76-34. However, the Wildcats showed some fight in the fourth quarter, going on a 5-0 run and making three consecutive 3-pointers. Ultimately, NC State proved too strong, closing out the game with a final score of 84-55.
Eniya Russell, Saniah Tyler, and Ajae Petty tied for the team-leading scoring position, each contributing nine points. Maddie Scherr, who returned to the court after missing the last two games, had seven points, two steals, one assist, and one rebound. Emma King and Amiya Jenkins also had solid performances, with King scoring eight points and tying for a team-high six rebounds, while Jenkins contributed eight points and six rebounds as well.
Despite the loss, Kentucky has the opportunity to bounce back in their next game against No. 3/4 Colorado on November 24. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
