December 12, 1998
LEXINGTON, Ky.- Liberty University hit 29-of-31 free throws to upsetKentucky, 80-76, in Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
The Wildcats (7-2,1-0) were riding on a seven-game home win streak and werelooking for their eighth victory of the season. The Cats dominated theentire first half, taking an 18-point lead (42-24) with the help of juniorTiffany Wait’s three three-pointers. UK shot 50 percent from the floor inthe first half compared to Liberty’s 37.9 percent. UK went into the lockerroom with a ten-point lead, 46-36, but came out in the second half on ashooting slump.
“We missed our shots and they hit theirs,” Wait said. “I think theintensity switched teams in the second half. We were rushing our shot andthey just out-hustled us.”
The Lady Flames, who finished 28-0 last season before dropping to No. 1Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, chipped away atKentucky’s lead and tied the game for the first time (58-58) with 7:51remaining. Liberty’s Elena Kisseleva proved to be the spark plug for theFlames as she led all scorers with 22 points. The 6-1 junior also nettednine-of-nine free throws and pulled down seven boards. Also scoring indouble digits were twin sisters Sharon and Sarah Wilkerson. The guardsadded 21 points each and combined for 14 points in the final eight minutesin Liberty’s comeback.
“We’re very disappointed with the outcome, but Liberty did what they neededto do to win this game,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “They came outon a roll and we let down our intensity. You can’t let a great shootingteam gain that confidence.”
Liberty outshot UK in the second half 44-30 while netting 15-of-16 freethrows. UK outrebounded the Lady Flames, 46-33, and were led in scoring byWait’s 17 points. Senior Jaye Barnes and sophomore Laura Meadows scored 13and 11 points respectively, while junior Shantia Owens grabbed a game-high11 rebounds.
“I love Kentucky and we were honored to come into this facility, that hasso much history, and play,” Liberty Coach Rick Reeves said. “I think thisis the first time my wife and kids have cheered against Kentucky. WhatBernadette Mattox has done with this team is tremendous. I have the utmostand deepest respect for her.”
Kentucky will travel to the Pizza Hut Shocker Shootout in Wichita, Kan., onDec. 19-20 to face Eastern Illinois in the first round on Friday, Dec. 19at 5 p.m.
