December 8, 1998

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team returns to Memorial Coliseum after traveling over 5,000 miles in the last three weeks. The Cats will play host to Miami (Ohio) University on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

The Wildcats (6-1, 1-0) defeated Auburn (68-62) in their Southeastern Conference opener on Sunday, giving Kentucky its sixth win of the season. The last time UK began the month of December with six victories was the 1984-85 season. Kentucky also made an impressive showing at the 20th Annual Rainbow Wahine Classic on Nov. 27-29. UK placed second in the tournament after falling to 10th-ranked UCLA in the finals, 64-54.

Wednesday’s game marks the eighth meeting between Miami and Kentucky. The Wildcats hold a 7-1 all-time lead over the RedHawks after defeating them the past two consecutive years. Miami has never won in Memorial Coliseum and the Cats’ only defeat came on Dec. 23, 1995 in Oxford, 71-62.

Miami begins a new era this season with Coach Maria Fantanarosa. The first-year head coach has currently led the ‘Hawks to a 5-3 overall record and 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference. Last season the RedHawks finished12-15 overall and 9-9 in the MAC. Leading Miami in scoring is center AuBree Hamilton, averaging 14.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

Leading Kentucky again this season is senior Jaye Barnes. She averages 15.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Also averaging double digits is sophomore Laura Meadows with 13.6 ppg, junior Erica Jackson with 12.1 ppg and guard Tiffany Wait with 11.4 ppg.