The Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team will take on the No. 5 seed Oklahoma Sooners in the SEC Tournament on March 7th at 2:30 PM. This second-round clash revisits an earlier meeting this season, where Kentucky emerged victorious with a 95-86 win over Oklahoma. With standout performances and key stats from that game in mind, both teams are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown with a deeper tournament run on the line.
In their prior encounter, Kentucky showcased an explosive offense, shooting 50.0% from the field (33-66) and draining 14 of 34 three-pointers (41.2%). Georgia Amoore led the charge with a remarkable 43-point performance, including 7-of-12 from beyond the arc, while Clara Strack added 19 points and five steals. The Wildcats’ perimeter shooting and defensive pressure—highlighted by 12 steals and 6 blocks—overwhelmed Oklahoma, allowing Kentucky to build a lead as large as 17 points.
Oklahoma, despite the loss, controlled the boards with 50 rebounds (18 offensive) to Kentucky’s 34 and dominated points in the paint (38) and fast-break points (25). Sahara Williams paced the Sooners with 27 points, including a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line, while Raegan Beers notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. However, Oklahoma’s 18 turnovers proved costly, as Kentucky turned those miscues into 25 points, compared to just 5 for the Sooners.
For Kentucky, Georgia Amoore’s scoring outburst in the last meeting makes her a focal point. The senior guard’s 15-of-22 shooting and eight assists underscored her ability to take over games. Clara Strack’s versatility—scoring, rebounding, and defending—adds another layer to the Wildcats’ attack, while Dazia Lawrence’s 14 points off 3-of-7 three-point shooting bolstered their outside threat.
Oklahoma will rely on Sahara Williams, whose 27-point effort last time out showed her scoring tenacity, and Raegan Beers, a force inside with her rebounding and paint presence. Payton Verhulst’s 10 rebounds and five assists highlight her all-around impact, though she’ll need to improve on her 5-of-15 shooting to match Kentucky’s firepower.
Preview: What to Expect
This rematch pits Kentucky’s high-octane, three-point-heavy offense against Oklahoma’s physicality and interior strength. The Wildcats will look to replicate their 41.2% three-point shooting, which overwhelmed Oklahoma’s defense in the first meeting. Their ability to force turnovers (12 steals last time) could again disrupt the Sooners’ rhythm, especially if Amoore and Strack continue their defensive intensity.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, must capitalize on their rebounding edge—particularly on the offensive glass, where they grabbed 18 boards last game. Reducing turnovers will be critical; their 18 giveaways in the prior loss handed Kentucky easy points. If Williams and Beers can dominate inside and Verhulst finds her shooting touch, the Sooners could flip the script.
The X-factor may be pace: Kentucky thrives in transition (15 fast-break points), but Oklahoma’s 25 fast-break points last game suggest they can run, too. Whichever team dictates the tempo could seize control.
How to Watch
Date: March 7, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM ET
Channel: ESPN
Streaming Services:
Hulu + Live TV: Offers ESPN in its channel lineup.
ESPN+: If you're an ESPN+ subscriber, you can watch the game directly through the service.
YouTube TV: Includes ESPN in its core package.
Sling TV: Their Orange plan includes ESPN.
FuboTV: Another option for streaming ESPN, with a focus on sports coverage.
Kentucky enters as the favorite after their convincing win earlier this season, but Oklahoma’s physical edge and tournament desperation make this a must-watch matchup. Will the Wildcats’ sharpshooting prevail again, or can the Sooners leverage their size and rebounding to pull off the upset? Tune in to ESPN at 2:30 PM tomorrow to find out!