LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentuckywomen’s basketball team dropped a 70-63 decision to10th-ranked Florida on Wednesday in MemorialColiseum, but not without a fight.
The Wildcats, (9-11, 2-6) down by 12 points with oneminute remaining in the game, fought to within six pointswith 24 seconds on the clock. UK’s Tiffany Wait stole aFlorida inbounds pass to spark the drive, but time ran outfor the young Kentucky team as the Lady Gators (15-5, 6-2) held on for thewin. UK’s seven-point loss was a marked contrast to the firstKentucky-Florida game this season, in which the Lady Gators posted a42-point win.
“I’m pleased with our effort and our defense tonight,” UK Coach BernadetteMattox said. “We will get over the hump in a matter of time. The team stillneeds to mature but we are going to get there. It’s going to happen.”
Florida jumped out to an early lead in the first half, holding a nine point advantage,30-21, before Kentucky cut the lead to only five at the half (30-25). Floridaused its inside-outside game of Murriel Page and Talatha Bingham to captureits second win over Kentucky this season.
UK was handed its biggest loss of the season by Florida on Jan. 4 in Gainesville, 100-58. Page posted the only double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Bingham followed with 22points and five assists. Leading the way for UK was Tiffany Wait and JayeBarnes with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Kentucky will be back in actionagain on Saturday in Memorial Coliseum when the Wildcats play host toArkansas at 7 p.m.
