COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Aicha Coulibaly showcased an impressive performance by scoring 21 points, while Sole Williams and Erica Moon contributed crucial baskets during a late 11-1 stretch that led Texas A&M to a 61-55 victory over No. 11 Kentucky on Thursday night.
In the closing moments, Williams added four free throws within a span of 32 seconds to solidify the win for the Aggies (10-8, 3-3 in the Southeastern Conference). Lauren Ware also made her presence felt with 10 points and four blocks, with two of those coming in the final two minutes. Coulibaly recorded a block in the dying seconds as well.
Dazia Lawrence gave Kentucky a brief lead at 51-50 halfway through the fourth quarter following a three-point play. However, this proved to be the Wildcats’ last score. Sahara Jones responded with a putback to put Texas A&M back in the driving seat with four minutes remaining. Moments later, Williams hit a 3-pointer, and Moon added another basket to extend the Aggie lead to 57-52.
Ware made significant defensive contributions by blocking Kentucky’s next two shot attempts, while the Wildcats’ scoring woes continued until Georgia Amoore finally broke the drought with a free throw at the 47-second mark. Williams then secured the game with her free throws. Kentucky, experiencing a rough period, missed their last six field goal attempts and managed only two late free throws.
Teonni Key led the Wildcats (16-2, 5-1) with 20 points and eight rebounds, but their nine-game winning streak came to an end. Amoore contributed 15 points but struggled from the field, shooting only 5-of-18, including a disappointing 0-for-8 from beyond the arc, while the team finished with a mere 1-of-18 shooting from three-point range.
Despite Kentucky starting the game cold, shooting just 4-of-18 in the first quarter, they still led 14-11. They managed to build a 30-25 advantage by halftime and held a 46-42 lead heading into the final quarter, only to falter with a shooting performance of just 2-of-15 down the stretch.
As the Aggies prepare for their next challenge, they are set to face their sixth ranked opponent in seven games against No. 5 LSU this coming Sunday, while Kentucky will be back at home to take on Arkansas.
