Kentucky women’s basketball is officially in "survive and advance" mode. Just under five hours from now, Kenny Brooks and the Lady Cats will open postseason play in the first round of the SEC Women’s Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina.
Despite a heartbreaking loss to top-seeded South Carolina to end the regular season, Brooks remains focused on the bigger picture. He wasn't worried about seeding; he just wanted time to get healthy. He really believes in this team's ability to play with anyone in the country. I find it hard to disagree with him.
The SEC Women's Tournament bracket path for Kentucky women's basketball
Finishing 21-9 overall (8-8 SEC) earned Kentucky the No. 9 seed, drawing a first-round matchup against the No. 16 seed Arkansas Razorbacks. If Kentucky wins, they get another rematch, this time with Georgia. The Bulldogs beat the Cats earlier this year when Teonni Key was out. Then, if you win, you get to play a rested South Carolina team that just beat you at home.
Reminiscing on February 1st
Kentucky should enter today's game with plenty of confidence. In their only meeting this season on February 1st, the Cats handled the Razorbacks in a 93-73 blowout.
The story of that game was Clara Strack, who put up a monstrous 33 points and 15 rebounds while shooting 13-of-20 from the floor. Arkansas had no answer for Strack’s size in the paint, a mismatch Kentucky will likely exploit again today. Amelia Hassett also proved lethal from deep in that contest, knocking down four three-pointers on her way to a 16-point night.
Arkansas (12-19, 1-15 SEC) has struggled significantly in conference play, but it is coming off a morale-boosting 70-41 win over Auburn to close the season. They rely heavily on Taleyah Jones, who leads the team at 16.9 points per game.
Key to the game: Perimeter defense
While Kentucky dominated the paint in the first meeting, Arkansas did manage to hit 10 three-pointers. If the Cats can close out on shooters and force the Razorbacks into contested twos, they should find themselves moving on to Thursday’s round.
Game Information
Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Greenville, SC
Tip-off: 11:00 AM EST
Channel: SEC Network
Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV (Blue & Orange Plan)
Wednesday SEC Tournament Schedule
- Game 1: No. 16 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Kentucky | 11 a.m.
- Game 2: No. 13 Miss. State vs. No. 12 Florida | 1:30 p.m.
- Game 3: No. 15 Auburn vs. No. 10 Texas A&M | 5:30 p.m.
- Game 4: No. 14 Missouri vs. No. 11 Alabama | 8:30 p.m.