Women’s Basketball Falls to Arkansas, 79-63

LEXINGTON, Kty. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketballteam committed 31 turnovers to Arkansas’ 18 in Saturday’s 79-63 loss tothe Lady Razorbacks in Memorial Coliseum.

The Wildcats came out strong in the first half, making a 6-0 run beforeArkansas’ defense sparked a 21-6 Lady ‘Back run. The Lady Razorbacks(16-5, 6-3) held Kentucky (9-12, 2-6) scoreless for more than six minuteslate in the first to take the lead for good, 28-20, with 7:08 left in the first half.

“I am pleased offensively because we executed and attacked the rim tonightand that is one area that has been haunting us the past few games,” UKCoach Bernadette Mattox said. “However, we turned the ball over way toomany times tonight. Arkansas’ defense rattled us and it’s something we arejust going to have to go back and learn from.”

Kentucky connected on 27 of 50 shots for 54 percent from the floor,marking the first time the Wildcats have shot over 50 percent since a Dec.14 home win over then 16th-ranked Auburn. The Lady ‘Backs shot 45.9percent from the floor and 82.6 percent from the free throw line.

Junior forward Jaye Barnes recorded her second double-double of theseason with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Tiffany Wait alsoadded 18 points. Wait led UK on the comeback trail scoring 13 of her 18points in the second half. The Wildcats, behind only two points (50-48) with9:42 remaining in the game, couldn’t hold on as Arkansas’ Christy Smith hit10 of 10 free throws for a total of 19 points. Karyn Karlin also netted 19points for the Lady ‘Backs.

The Wildcats will travel to Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 4 to face theLady Tigers at 8 p.m. for the second time this season.