Kentucky Wildcats Stun No. 11 Tennessee
Playing their final regular-season game in the Historic Memorial Coliseum, the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats delivered a statement win, crushing No. 11 Tennessee 82-58 on Thursday night. In front of a sold-out crowd, Kentucky’s victory set a new program record for its largest margin of victory over the Lady Vols.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Sophomore center Clara Strack wasted no time asserting her dominance, scoring nine quick points on perfect shooting before the first-quarter media timeout. Kentucky’s defense was just as impressive, holding Tennessee to only nine points on a dismal 17.4% shooting performance in the opening period. By the end of the first 10 minutes, the Wildcats had built a commanding double-digit lead and never looked back.
Tennessee’s struggles continued into the second quarter. Kentucky’s aggressive offense, led by Strack and Teonni Key, extended the lead to as many as 19 points. Strack was nearly unstoppable, scoring 17 first-half points on a flawless 8-of-8 shooting. Key provided ample support, adding 14 points and showcasing her dominance in the paint. The Wildcats shot 52.6% in the first half while outrebounding Tennessee 29-17.
Strack’s Record-Breaking Performance
Kentucky’s defense continued to make history, breaking the program record for total blocked shots in a single season (182) with two first-quarter rejections. Strack made her own mark, surpassing Victoria Dunlap’s program record for most individual blocks in a single season (67) during the third quarter.
By the end of three periods, four Wildcats—Key (18), Strack (17), Georgia Amoore (16), and Dazia Lawrence (13)—had reached double figures. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s offense remained stagnant, with only leading scorer Talaysia Cooper (19) managing more than six points through three quarters.
Kentucky Closes in Dominant Fashion
Kentucky’s relentless attack continued into the fourth quarter, ballooning their lead to a game-high 35 points. The loss marked Tennessee’s worst defeat of the season, surpassing their 70-63 loss to South Carolina on Jan. 27.
Strack finished with an unforgettable performance, posting 23 points on a perfect 11-for-11 shooting while grabbing 15 rebounds, blocking three shots, and dishing two assists. Key added 18 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. Amoore contributed 18 points and seven assists, while Lawrence finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
What’s Next for the Wildcats?
The win moves Kentucky to 22-6 on the season and provides a crucial confidence boost as they prepare for their final regular-season matchup. The Wildcats will travel to face No. 6 South Carolina on Sunday afternoon, looking to carry this momentum into the postseason.
