Dec. 30, 1999
LEXINGTON, Kty. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketball looks to extendits home-win streak to five when it meets Xavier for the first time inschool history on Friday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum.
The Wildcats (7-3) are coming off a 99-53 win overTennessee-Martin in Memorial on Tuesday where six UK players scored indouble figures. Two Wildcats scored double digit points and reboundswith sophomore forward LaTonya McDole leading with 22 points and 14rebounds. Senior center Shantia Owens also recorded a double-double,inking 10 points and 10 rebounds. It was the second straight game forboth players to chart double-doubles.
The Musketeers defeated state-rival Miami Ohio, 90-48, onTuesday, improving their record to 9-2. They are led by fifth-year headcoach Melanie Balcomb and return 10 letterwinners, including fourstarters who finished with a 24-9 overall record last season, 11-5 (3rd)in the Atlantic 10. Four of XU’s five starters are averaging in doublefigure scoring this season. Finland native Taru Tuukanen leads with17.7 points per game.
Xavier is probably best known for its valiant effort versusConnecticut in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. TheMusketeers earned respect after almost pulling an upset over theNo.1-seeded Huskies, 86-84 and for finishing the season ranked No. 1 inthe country in three-point field goal percentage (39.7).
“What’s scary about Xavier is that all five players on the floorcan shoot the three-point shot,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “Theywould rather shoot the “three” than hit a layup. They are a great teamand we have to respect them from anywhere on the floor.”
Kentucky ranks first in the Southeastern Conference inthree-point field goal percentage defense, allowing opponents to shootonly 18.6 percent from behind the arc. In 10 games this season Kentuckyhas allowed a total of 31 three pointers. The Cats rank second in theSEC in field goal percentage defense, holding their opponents to 35.5percent shooting from the floor.
The Musketeers are shooting 34.7 percent (75-of-216) fromthree-point land this season. Amy Waugh leads the team in three-pointshooting percentage, netting 24 of 52 for 46.2 percent. NicoleLevandusky is also nailing the long ball, shooting 37.5 percent.
Admission is only $1 for a family of four or more.
NOTE: Fans attending the game have a chance to win two tickets to theRadisson Party of the Century on New Year’s Eve. FREE bumper stickerswill be available to the first 500 fans.
