It was a fast start for the Cats, who jumped out to an early 11-2 lead. They outscored South Carolina Upstate 26-11 in the first quarter and 21-7 in the second quarter, resulting in a halftime lead of 47-18.
Starting Lineup:
- Georgia Amoore
- Dazia Lawrence
- Teonni Key
- Amelia Hassett
- Clara Strack
USC Upstate struggled with Kentucky’s length, managing only 8-27 from the field and 1-8 from three. Kentucky’s defense shone with six steals and five blocks (from four different players: Strack, Silva, Key, and Hassett) while forcing 12 turnovers in a dominant defensive first half.
. @Tkey__13 🔑 pic.twitter.com/RpqdYARMnj
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) November 4, 2024
On offense, there were times when things looked a bit new—a natural adjustment for an entirely new team. Still, they finished the half shooting over 50 percent overall (18-35) with 13 assists. The three-point shot was tougher, falling only 3-for-14. The Wildcats were led by Georgia Amoore, who had 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. Strack finished the first half with 10, Key had 9, Hassett and Silva each had 6, and Lawrence had 5.
Indiviual stats from the first half
- Georgia Amoore led the Wildcats with 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds.
- Strack had 10 points, Key added 9, while Hassett and Silva each contributed 6. Lawrence finished the first half with 5.
The second half began similarly, with the Cats going on a 15-6 extended run. The game was never really in doubt, though the Spartans managed a stronger offensive in the third quarter. The Cats still outscored them by 11, ending the third with a commanding 75-35 lead.
The fourth quarter saw more of the same, with the Cats ultimately finishing with five players in double figures, winning 98-43, falling just short of the century mark.
Jordan Obi- DNP
Saniah Tyler- Finished 0-2
Geogia Amoore- 11 points 6 rebounds 10 assists. 1 steal
Lexi Blue- 4points 2 rebounds 2 assists. 2 steals
Cassidy Rowe- 2 points 1 assists. 1 steal
Teonni Key- 14 points 9 rebounds 5 assists. 1 steals 3 block
Tanah Becker- 5 points
Dazia Lawrence- 9 points 2 assists 1 steal
Gabby Brooks- 3 points 1 block
Dominika Paurová- DNP
Clara Strack- 22 points 6 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals 2 blocks
Clara Silva- 14 points 7 rebounds 6 blocks
Amelia Hassett- 14 points 9 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals 1 block
3 Stars of the night
1. Clara Strack
The Kentucky women's front line is in good hands, led by Clara Strack, who, in her Kentucky debut, scored 22 points and 6 rebounds.
2. Goergia Amoore
The new PG1 for the Cats showed up and showed out in her season debut, showing why she is a pre-season player of the year candidate. Amoore finished with a double-double, 11 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds.
3. Clara Silva
Silva was a defensive menace. Only a freshman, she will get better and better as the season goes on, which means other teams better look out. Clara finished the game with 14 points (6-6 from the floor), 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
Cats off to a great start and will be back in action Thursday night at 6 PM against Northern Kentucky.