Nov. 21, 2001

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team will participate in the 17th Annual Lady Tiger Classic in Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 23-24 at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. UK along with host Memphis, Sam Houston State and UMKC make up the tournament field.

The Wildcats (1-0) will face Sam Houston State (0-2) in the second game on Friday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. ET while Memphis (1-2) and UMKC (0-1) meet in the first game at 6 p.m. ET. The consolation game will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. ET and the championship game will follow at 5 p.m. ET.

“This classic will really give our young players some great experience,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “I’m excited about this team and its potential. We’ve had some great practices and I’m anxious to see how we respond on our first road trip.”

The Cats look to continue their winning ways after defeating Temple in the season-opener last week, 64-55. Sophomore center SeSe Helm leads the Cats in scoring, averaging 22 points per game. Junior guard Rita Adams is second on the team with 12 ppg and is the team’s leading rebounding with 8.0 rpg. Following in the scoring column is sophomore forward Shambrica Jones who tallied 10 points off the bench against the Owls.

UK has never met Sam Houston State and is 66-27 all-time in regular-season tournaments. Memphis has won the Lady Tiger Classic the past nine years with a 28-4 tournament record. The Lady Tigers have not lost a game in the Classic since a 75-64 setback against Oklahoma State in 1991.

WLXG Sports Radio 1300 will carry the game live with play-by-play announcer Chris Cross. The broadcast can also be found on UK’s official website, ukathletics.com