Nov. 5, 2001
Lexington, Ky. – Four Wildcats scored in double figures as the Kentucky women’s basketball team opened its exhibition season with a 77-45 victory over the Den Helder Club of Holland on Monday night in UK’s Memorial Coliseum.
Sophomore center SeSe Helm came off the bench, finishing with a game-high 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Sophomore forward Stephanie Stoglin followed with 12 points while freshman guard Sara Potts and sophomore guard Danyelle Payne debuted with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Wildcats exploded to a 20-5 run in the first 12 minutes of play in the second half to open a 59-28 lead and never looked back. UK then pushed the lead to 36 points (69-33) with just over five minutes remaining before Den Helder chipped away for the final margin. Potts scored nine of her 11 points in the second half, hitting three treys as the Cats shot 55.2 percent for the final frame.
“We finally have that inside/outside game we lacked last season,” Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “When they collapsed down on us in the inside we drained the outside shot. I was impressed with Sara’s play and also that of Danyelle and Kristin Connolly. They shot well tonight.”
Payne, who saw her first collegiate action after sitting out last season, opened up the contest by draining a triple from the sideline seven seconds into the game. Helm’s turnaround jumper in the lane and a Payne steal and subsequent lay-up, forced the visitors into a timeout as the Wildcats jumped to an early 13-6 lead. UK continued to roll as Helm hit a trey followed by a turnaround jumper as the Cats finished the half with a 39-23 advantage.
Helm, who came off the bench as Mattox tested out different player combinations, poured in nine of her points before the half while junior Rita Adams dished out four assists and had three steals. Senior LaTonya McDole dished out five assists and wrestled a team-high six rebounds with two blocks. Sophomore Shambrica Jones went a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor.
“We are looking at different combinations before we begin the regular season in a few weeks,” Mattox said. “That is the reason for exhibitions, so you can try new things and see who plays well with who and what combinations not to use. We got a lot of good looks and overall I thought we played well.”
The Wildcats notched 35 points in the paint compared to Den Helder’s 10 and pulled down 37 rebounds to the visitors 26. UK also scored 35 points off turnovers.
Jennifer Surlas led the visitors with 15 points, her fourth straight game in double-digits.
UK will return to action Saturday, Nov. 10 when Premier Sports visits Lexington. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. Admission is free.
