The University of Kentucky women’s basketball teamdropped it’s second conference game of the season onWednesday losing to Vanderbilt 64-54 in a defensivebattle that saw Vanderbilt shoot 35 free throws toKentucky’s eight.

A close knit game the entire way, the Wildcats (8-5, 1-2)were down by only three (48-45) with six minutesremaining before Vanderbilt’s Nettie Respondek nailedback-to-back three-pointers to put the Commodores(12-1, 3-0) up for good.

“Definitely those two three-pointers were the key to the game,” UK CoachMattox said. “Otherwise I thought our players played hard and played greatdefense. They crashed the glass and fought every step of the way.” UKoutrebounded Vandy on the offensive glass 19 to 14 but was outreboundedon the defensive side of the board 26 to 18. The Wildcats managed to score21 points off Vanderbilt’s 18 turnovers but were called for 23 personal fouls,allowing the Commodores to net 23 of 35 free throws.

“When your team goes to the line only eight times and the other teams goes35 times, then obviously things aren’t going your way,” Mattox said.

Three Wildcats netted double digits in UK’s second SEC game in threedays. Forward Jaye Barnes led the Wildcat’s charge, scoring 12 points andpulling down seven rebounds despite fouling out with two minutes remaining.Barnes has led the Wildcats in scoring in the last five games and leads UK inoverall scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game. Guards Natalie Martinezand Tiffany Wait both chipped in 11 points a piece as UK shot only 35.4percent from the floor. Na’Sheema Hillmon led three Commodores inscoring, posting 19 points and nine rebounds.

Kentucky will return home on Saturday, Jan. 10 from its five-game road tiltas they host the Lady Rebels of Mississippi at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum.