LEXINGTON, Ky. — In a commanding performance, the No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats secured an 89-69 victory over Arkansas on Sunday, thanks to the efforts of Georgia Amoore, who led the scoring with 19 points. Clara Strack and Teonni Key both delivered impressive double-double performances, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Strack tallied 17 points along with 10 rebounds, while Key added 13 points and 11 rebounds for Kentucky, which improved to 17-2 overall and 6-1 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Additionally, Dazia Lawrence and Amelia Hassett each chipped in with 14 points, ensuring all five starters reached double figures. Amoore also facilitated play with eight assists, and Hassett rounded out her performance with seven rebounds, four assists, and four blocks.
Kentucky took a commanding 44-28 lead into halftime, with Strack scoring the Wildcats’ first nine points of the third quarter, helping maintain a significant 16-point advantage. The team then expanded their lead even further when Lawrence and Hassett both nailed three consecutive three-pointers, leading to a 77-53 edge by the end of the third period.
For the Razorbacks, Izzy Higginbottom, who ranked fifth nationally in scoring at 22.8 points per game, had a strong outing, netting 32 points overall. She was particularly effective in the third quarter, contributing 14 of the team’s final 19 points during that stretch. Although she opened the fourth quarter with four additional points, Arkansas was unable to close the gap, trailing by at least 19 points throughout the period. Carly Keats and Jenna Lawrence also made notable contributions off the bench, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively.
In the first quarter, Kentucky showcased an impressive offensive display, shooting 64% and converting eight free throws, which allowed them to initially build a formidable 29-10 lead. They scored the first 11 points and ended the quarter by securing the last 12 points as well. The advances continued, with Kentucky pushing their lead to as much as 25 points after back-to-back three-pointers from Lexi Blue and Lawrence, setting the score at 42-17, before Arkansas ended the half with an 11-2 scoring run.
This game also held significance as it served as Kentucky’s annual We Back Pat event, aimed at raising awareness and promoting research and education related to Alzheimer’s disease. Looking ahead, Kentucky will face off against No. 19 Alabama on Thursday, while Arkansas prepares to host Texas A&M.
