GREENVILLE, S.C. – Senior point guard Tonie Morgan has been the engine behind Kentucky’s success all season, earning All-SEC honors and distinguishing herself as the only player in the nation averaging 18 points and 8 assists per game. On Wednesday, the Wildcats delivered another dominant performance, rolling past Arkansas 94-64 in the opening round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Kentucky wasted no time setting the tone. After controlling the opening tip, senior forward Amelia Hassett drilled a three-pointer from the left wing to open the scoring. On the Wildcats’ next possession, junior guard Asia Boone knocked down another three, giving Kentucky an early spark.
Arkansas answered on its second trip down the floor when freshman guard Bonnie Deas attacked the rim for the Razorbacks’ first points. However, Kentucky quickly took control by attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line early and often in the opening five minutes. Boone stayed hot, hitting two more three-pointers before the first timeout at the 5:25 mark of the first quarter.
An early 7-0 run pushed the Wildcats ahead 16-4, and they closed the quarter on an 11-1 surge to build a commanding 19-point lead. Kentucky shot 45 percent from the field in the first period, compared to just 22 percent for Arkansas, and converted 6-of-9 free throws to capitalize on early opportunities.
Arkansas showed renewed defensive energy to begin the second quarter, forcing three consecutive stops, including a turnover by freshman guard Harmonie Ware that led to a transition layup by senior guard Taliyah Jones. Despite the effort, the Razorbacks struggled with Kentucky’s size. The Wildcats, who feature four players standing 6-foot-4 or taller, outrebounded Arkansas 27-17 in the first half. Arkansas does not have a player taller than 6-foot-3.
At halftime, Kentucky led 42-33. Hassett paced the Wildcats with 12 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Jones matched her with 12 points for Arkansas, though the Razorbacks shot just 3-of-13 from three-point range in the half.
The second half belonged entirely to Kentucky.
Arkansas came out cold in the third quarter, missing its first five shots. Midway through the period, Jones took a hard fall and briefly exited to the locker room. Meanwhile, Kentucky continued to pour it on, extending its lead behind efficient shooting and dominance on the glass. By the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats held a commanding 70-43 advantage, shooting 53 percent from the field compared to Arkansas’ 24 percent. Kentucky also held a 16-6 rebounding edge in the period.
Jones returned to the game and finished with 21 points to lead Arkansas, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Junior center Clara Strack delivered a standout performance for Kentucky, finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks to lead all scorers. Head coach Kenny Brooks continues to guide this Wildcats squad in the right direction, as Kentucky never trailed in the contest.
With the victory in Game 1 of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville, Kentucky advances after a decisive, wire-to-wire win over Arkansas.
