Kentucky knocks off Liberty, 69-57.
LYNCHBURG, VA. (Dec. 11, 1999) — The University ofKentucky women’s basketball team won its thirdstraight game, defeating Liberty 69-57 in the VinesCenter.
The Wildcats (5-2) were led by senior EricaJackson who netted a season-high 22 points.Senior Shantia Owens also added to the Kentuckyfire, charting her first season and third careerdouble-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.Sophomore forward LaTonya McDole rounded outthe attack with 14 points and five steals. UKoutrebounded Liberty 41-24 and scored 46 pointsin the paint compared to the Lady Flames’ 28.
“I’m very proud our team and the way they hung inthere against a very tough squad. Liberty showedtonight why they are conference champions.” UKCoach Bernadette Mattox said. “I’m proud of ourdefensive effort. I’ve been telling them all season totake chances on defense and they did that tonightand it paid off.”
UK’s defense held the Lady Flames (4-4) scorelessuntil the 14-minute mark to start the game, jumpingahead 7-0. The Wildcats then took a 30-19 at thehalf with the help of Jackson’s seven points,including two three-pointers. UK shot 50 percent inthe first half compared to Liberty’s 25 percent.
In the second half, Liberty came out on fire to pullwithin four points, 34-30, with 15:55 remaining inthe game. The Cats remained composed and wenton a 14-0 run to push back to a 17-point lead(51-34). The Lady Flames would attempt one final run with two minutes togo, closing the gap to seven points, 61-54. UK nailed 6-of-10 from the freethrow line in the final seconds to seal the win.
UK is now 1-1 all-time versus the Lady Flames after falling, 80-76, lastseason in Lexington.
The Cats will face No. 18/No. 16 Purdue on Dec. 18 in Indianapolis, Ind.UK and the defending national champions will play in the first collegiate gamein the Pacer’s new Conseco Fieldhouse at 4:30 p.m. followed by theBoilermaker men’s team versus Ball State.
