Nov. 27, 2002
Seattle, Wash. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team arrived in Seattle, Wash., on Wednesday where it will spend the Thanksgiving holiday participating in the 16th annual Seattle Husky Times Classic Nov. 29-30 at Washington’s Bank of America Arena. UK meets the University of the Pacific in the first round on Friday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. ET. Host Washington and St. Bonaventure play in the second game at 10 p.m. ET.
The Wildcats are looking to continue their winnings ways after defeating Southern Illinois, 79-53, in their season-opener on Monday. Pacific looks to snap a two-game losing streak, falling to Northern Arizona 59-58 and No. 7 Purdue 91-57.
“This tournament field is very competitive and we are excited about playing in Seattle,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “We had a good practice today and we will need to stay focused and take care of business.”
Senior Rita Adams is the Cats’ leading scorer, averaging 16 points a game. All-SEC performer SeSe Helm follows with 15 ppg while forward Shambrica Jones, who charter her first career double-double in the season-opener, adds 13 points and 11 boards game.
Pacific, a member of the Big West Conference, is led in scoring by senior Mischa Clark with 13.0 ppg. Center Gillian d’Hondt is the team’s leading rebounder, pulling down 7.0 rpg. Coach Craig Jackson is In his seventh year as the helm of the Tigers.
The Cats are 71-29 in regular season tournaments and have won at least one tournament title in four of the last six years. Washington has advanced to the tournament championship game in all 15 years of the Seattle Times Classic, including nine tournament titles.
After a light practice on Thursday, the Cats will enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at Seattle’s infamous Space Needle.
WLXG Sports Radio 1300, with announcer Chris Cross, will carry the game live in Lexington. The broadcast also will be available on UK’s official website, www.ukathletics.com.
