Today isn’t just about the flowers and the framed jerseys.
Kentucky Women’s Basketball is set to host South Carolina in what has officially become a Senior Day sellout. Historic Memorial Coliseum will be rocking, and the school is asking fans to arrive early for the senior ceremonies. But once the ball is tipped, the focus shifts to a monumental opportunity for Kenny Brooks and company.
The stakes couldn't be higher. A win today virtually locks up a Top 16 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would give Kentucky the right to host the first two rounds of the Big Dance right here in Lexington.
While ESPN Analytics gives the Cats just a 17.8% chance of pullng off the upset, those who have watched this team go 12-2 at home this season know better than to count them out.
Kentucky WBB's path to an upset
To beat a juggernaut like South Carolina, Kentucky will need to be fearless from beyond the arc. Specifically, the Cats need a three-point barrage from Amelia Hassett and Asia Boone.
Boone struggled in the recent win over Auburn, going 0-of-6 from deep. But Kenny Brooks isn't worried. In fact, he’s demanding she stays aggressive.
He said he didn't care if she missed 17 straight shots," Brooks said of Boone's confidence. "I want her to step into the next one like she’s going to make it."
That mentality is exactly what is required to take down a top-five opponent.
The statistical battle
South Carolina brings a balanced attack led by Joyce Edwards (20.2 PPG) and Madina Okot, who averages a double-double (13.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG). They are physical, they are deep, and they score nearly 90 points a game.
Kentucky counters with the dominant interior presence of Clara Strack (16.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG) and the playmaking of Tonie Morgan, who is leading the nation in assists (8.3 APG). For the Cats to win, they have to maintain their defensive intensity and limit the second-chance opportunities for the Gamecocks.
The prediction
This will be a game defined by emotion and energy. Between the Senior Day ceremonies and the quest for a hosting spot, HMC will be at a fever pitch. If Boone and Hassett can find their rhythm early and the Cats can weather the initial South Carolina surge, I expect an all-time classic.
Good teams win at home when the stakes are this high. I’m taking the Cats in a thriller.
Kentucky 82, South Carolina 77