Dec. 30, 2002

Lexington, Ky. – The Kentucky women’s basketball team hopes to keep its three-game win streak alive when it plays host to Cincinnati at 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Memorial Coliseum.

The Wildcats own a 5-4 record and are 3-1 at home this season. In their last two games, the Cats have combined for 214 points, defeating Morris Brown by an overwhelming 74-point margin (106-32) and Miami 108-102 in overtime.

Four of UK’s five starters are averaging double-digit scoring, led by senior guard Rita Adams’ 14.3 points on 54.3 percent shooting. Freshman forward Jennifer Humphrey, who has posted double-doubles in the last two games as a starter, is averaging 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds a game. She has poured in double-figures in four straight games, including a career-high 20 points against Morris Brown in only 16 minutes of action.

“We haven’t played a game since Dec. 23 and we are anxious to get back out there,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “Cincinnati has a solid, experienced team. They shoot the ball well and they will come in here ready to play.”

The Bearcats (8-2) are shooting a Conference USA-best 45.3 percent from the field this season and are led in scoring by Valerie King with 19.2 points a game. Former Wildcat Carolyn Alexander is UC’s third leading scorer with 10.9 ppg and is second in rebounding with 6.4 boards per game. UC is not ranked but is receiving votes in both The Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches polls. Its two losses were against Mississippi State and Nebraska.

Cincinnati is searching for its first win in Memorial Coliseum. UK leads the series 16-5 overall and is a perfect 11-0 against UC in Memorial. Kentucky has dropped the last two games to UC, 73-57 last season in the Queen City and 57-38 in 2000 in Louisville.

New Year’s Eve party favors will be given away and junior Mason, Ohio native Racquel Ellis will be the featured player of the game.