Nov. 10, 2001
Lexington, KY – Despite 16 points and 10 rebounds from senior LaTonya McDole and 14 points and 13 boards from sophomore Alvine Mendeng, the Kentucky women’s basketball team fell to the Premier All-Stars, 72-66, on Saturday, Nov. 10 in its final exhibition game in Memorial Coliseum.
UK hit only 29 of 85 shots for 34.1 percent, including a dismal two of 30 from three-point range (6.67 percent). The All-Stars, led by former Ohio State player Joni O’Connell’s (1984-86) 18 points and 11 rebounds, shot 48.2 from the floor, including 35.3 percent from behind the arc. Boise State’s (1993-96) Tricia Bayder-Binford added 17 points with four three-pointers, while former Ohio State Kodak All-American Lisa Cline followed with 12.
“A year ago we would have never taken that many shots from the perimeter so I can’t be disappointed in that,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “But I am disappointed in our defensive effort tonight. We led by eight points and we started to slow down defensively. The All-Stars did a good job of taking away the inside and forcing us to shoot from the outside. We kept taking the shots, they just weren’t falling.
“I have to remember that our three-pointer shooters, Sara Potts and Danyelle Payne, are still freshmen. They are great shooters and I have total confidence in them.”
The Cats jumped out to an early 11-4 lead and led 33-25 with four minutes to go in the first half. The All-Stars began to battle back, pulling to within three points at the half (39-36). In the second stanza, the scoring woes continued and the All-Stars tied the game at 43 apiece with 15:56 remaining. After a 7-0 All-Star run, the Cats fell behind by as many as 12 before a 5-0 run of their own pulled them back within seven, 69-62. It wouldn’t be enough, however, as the All-Stars held on for the victory.
The Cats won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the All-Stars 54-35, including a 32-11 advantage on the offensive glass.
UK will open its regular season on Saturday, Nov. 17 against Temple in Memorial Coliseum at 7 p.m.
