If you turned off the TV when the Kentucky women’s basketball team was down seven heading into the fourth quarter, you missed one of the gutsiest performances we've seen at Historic Memorial Coliseum this year.
Seriously.
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The No. 7 Wildcats pulled off a 94-89 victory over Florida on Thursday night, but that final score doesn't even come close to telling the story of how much they had to sweat for this one. It was a rollercoaster. A mess. A masterpiece.
Basically, it was exactly what SEC basketball is supposed to be.
The Wild Scoreline: Who Won KY Game Today?
Kentucky won. But for a while there, it looked like Florida was going to walk out of Lexington with a massive upset.
The Cats (17-2, 4-1 SEC) started this game like they were shot out of a cannon. They jumped out to a 12-2 lead and ended the first quarter up 29-14. You’d think they were going to cruise, right? Wrong. Florida spent the next two quarters chipping away, eventually turning that 17-point deficit into a 73-66 lead by the time the fourth quarter started.
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Why the Fourth Quarter Was Everything
Kentucky’s defense finally woke up. Clara Strack, who had been battling foul trouble all night, came back into the game and completely changed the energy. She finished with 21 points, but her presence on the defensive end was what actually stopped the bleeding.
Tonie Morgan was the hero, though.
Morgan dropped a season-high 26 points and dished out 13 assists. That’s her fifth double-double of the season. She was everywhere—hitting reverse layups, drawing fouls, and finding open shooters whenever Florida tried to double-team her.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Cats had outscored the Gators 28-16 in the final frame.
Key Performers and Statistics
It wasn't just the Tonie Morgan show.
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Asia Boone, Amelia Hassett, and Jordan Obi all chipped in 12 points apiece. When you have five players in double figures, you’re usually going to have a good night, even if your defense decides to take a nap during the second and third quarters.
- Tonie Morgan: 26 PTS, 13 AST
- Clara Strack: 21 PTS, 5 REB
- Team Shooting: UK shot 6 of 8 from the field to close out the game.
Florida’s Me’Arah O’Neal was a problem for Kentucky all night, finishing with 23 points. She and Liv McGill (20 points) nearly spoiled the party, but McGill fouling out with 20 seconds left basically sealed the deal for the Wildcats.
What’s Next for the Men’s Team?
If you were looking for the men's result, hold your horses.
The Kentucky men’s team is fresh off a miracle buzzer-beater win at LSU thanks to Malachi Moreno. They aren't playing "today" (Friday) but have a massive showdown against No. 24 Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday, Jan. 17 at noon.
That game is going to be a war.
Tennessee is currently 10-0 at home this season. Kentucky is sitting at 11-6 overall and 2-2 in the SEC, trying to prove that the comeback win in Baton Rouge wasn't a fluke. Otega Oweh has been the engine lately, scoring 20+ in four straight SEC games.
How to Watch the Next Big Game
- Matchup: Kentucky (Men) at Tennessee
- Time: 12:00 PM EST, Saturday, Jan. 17
- Channel: ESPN
- Location: Thompson-Boling Arena
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Cats this season, keep an eye on the "slow starts." Both the men's and women's teams have developed a habit of falling behind early and relying on high-stress second-half comebacks.
Next Steps for UK Followers:
- Check the Women's Standings: This win moves Kentucky to 4-1 in the SEC, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top seed in the conference tournament.
- Watch the Paint: In the upcoming men's game against Tennessee, watch how Malachi Moreno handles the Vols' physicality. Tennessee leads the SEC in several rebounding metrics, and Kentucky's interior defense will be the deciding factor.
- Set Your DVR: Saturday's noon tip-off is an early one. Make sure you're ready for the men's battle in Knoxville, as it could define their mid-season momentum.
Kentucky sports are in a weird, exciting place right now. Whether it’s the women’s team fending off a gritty Florida squad or the men’s team living on the edge of buzzer-beaters, nothing is ever easy for the Big Blue Nation this year. But a win is a win.