December 18, 1998

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team returns to the 18th Annual Pizza Hut Shocker Shootout hosted by Wichita State on Dec. 19-20 at Henry Levitt Arena in Wichita, Kan.

Kentucky, who placed third in the tournament in 1992, will face Ohio Valley Conference opponent Eastern Illinois in the second game on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.. Wichita State (5-1) and Akron (3-4, 0-1) will tip-off in the first game at 3 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 20, the consolation championship will take place at 3 p.m. and the championship game will take place approximately 5 p.m.

The Panthers are led by junior Leah Aldrich. The 6-3 center is the only EIU player to average in double digits with 24.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. The Panthers are coached by John Klein who enters his sixth season for EIU. Four UK players average in double figures with senior Jaye Barnes leading the way with 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. The Wildcats (7-2, 1-0) are 1-0 all-time versus the Panthers (1-5, 0-2). UK defeated the Panthers on Dec. 17, 1990 in Lexington, 82-48. UK also holds a 1-0 record over Wichita State and has never met Akron.