Jan. 2, 2003
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Lexington, Ky. – The Kentucky women’s basketball team used a full-court press and balanced scoring attack to win its fifth-consecutive game, 75-42, over the visiting Marshall Thundering Herd on Thursday, Jan. 2 at Rupp Arena. It was the first game played at Rupp Arena by the UK women in eight years.
The Wildcats (6-4, 0-0 Southeastern Conference) placed four players in double figures, led by SeSe Helm’s 15 points. Sara Potts was 5-for-5 from the floor, including four trifectas, scoring 14 points. Raquel Ellis tallied a career-high 11 points, while Jennifer Humphrey chipped in with 10.
“I was very pleased with the play of our team tonight, ” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said. “I thought we did an excellent job with our press. We’ve been working on the press for about two weeks and the players are really starting to get an understanding of it and the fact that it can help us score baskets on the other end.”
In 14 appearances at Rupp, the first coming in 1978, the UK women now hold an 11-3 record when playing at the downtown arena. UK leads the all-time series over Marshall 12-2.
“The players were very excited to get to play in Rupp Arena and the crowd really helped us,” Mattox said. “The atmosphere of the facility is outstanding for basketball and we are very happy to have had the opportunity to play here.”
UK held a double-digit lead for the entire second half after taking a 34-18 advantage into halftime. Potts nailed back-to-back three-pointers at the 12:35 mark of the second half to give Kentucky a 51-28 cushion. The Cats stretched their lead to as many as 35 as they cruised to the easy victory.
“I liked playing at Rupp Arena,” Potts said. “All of my shots were falling in shoot-around and I felt comfortable playing here. I like the rims at Rupp too. I hope we can play here again.”
The Kentucky defense held the Herd to just 31.1 percent from the floor and forced 21 turnovers. UK made nine of its 13 three-point attempts and blistered the nets for 51.9 percent from the field. It was the fourth straight game the Cats shot better than 50 percent from the field. UK has not allowed an opponent to shoot over 50 percent all season.
A Humphrey layup in transition, followed by a Jenny Pfeiffer steal and layup gave Kentucky a 23-13 lead with 8:11 remaining in the first half. The lead grew to 16 at 34-18 on an Ellis jumper followed by a Potts trey at the 2:19 mark. Both teams went scoreless for the remainder of the half and the Cats took that lead into the locker room. Helm led UK in the first half with 12 points. UK is 4-0 when leading at the half.
UK outrebounded the Herd, 36-32, marking the fifth straight game the Cats have outrebounded their opponent. Ten of the 12 players on UK’s roster registered points in the win.
Marshall (4-6, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) was led by Ida Dotson’s 10 points. She was the only player to notch double-digits for MU.
The Cats will return to action on Sunday, Jan. 5, when they participate in the annual “Battle of the Bluegrass” versus Louisville. That game is slated for a 2 p.m. start. Tickets can be purchased by calling the U of L ticket office at 502-852-5151 or 1-800-633-7105. Tickets are $5 for adults. Ages 18 and under are admitted free.
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