LEXINGTON, Ky. — In a commanding performance, Clara Strack led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Georgia Amoore matched her scoring as No. 16 Kentucky concluded its nonconference slate with a decisive 88-70 victory over Western Kentucky on Saturday.

The Wildcats improved their record to 11-1, showcasing a solid performance in the middle two quarters, outscoring the Hilltoppers 49-35. Saniah Tyler contributed all 11 of her points during this critical stretch, and Teonni Key added 10 of her 15. Strack also contributed 10 during this pivotal period.

Amoore was instrumental in setting up plays, finishing with nine assists, while Amelia Hassett recorded 12 rebounds along with her nine points. The Wildcats dominated the boards, grabbing 41 rebounds compared to Western Kentucky’s 26, and they shot an impressive 53% from the field, including eight three-pointers. Key excelled with a shooting percentage of 7-of-9, Strack shot 10-of-15, and Tyler went 4-of-5.

For Western Kentucky, Alexis Mead was the leading scorer with 18 points, while Acacia Haeys contributed 14 points, Destiny Salary added 11, and Josie Gilvin chipped in with 10 points. The Lady Hilltoppers were effective at the free-throw line as well, making 18 of 23 attempts, giving them a slight advantage in points from the charity stripe compared to Kentucky.

This win puts Kentucky ahead in the all-time series against Western Kentucky with a 16-14 record, snapping a two-game losing streak against the Hilltoppers from contests held in 2007 and 2008.

Kentucky turned a tight one-point game at the end of the second quarter into a 38-27 lead at halftime by making their last eight shots. The scoring run began with Hassett, followed by Key, and then Strack, who contributed a layup before Tyler netted a three-pointer, extending the lead to 34-22. Strack capped off the quarter with back-to-back baskets.

In the third quarter, Kentucky continued their momentum by scoring the first seven points, and they maintained their dominance by hitting four three-pointers, extending their lead to 64-48 by the end of the third period.

The Wildcats will begin their Southeastern Conference schedule at home against Mississippi State on Thursday, while the Lady Hilltoppers are set to open their Conference USA campaign against Liberty on the same day.