The No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats, led by head coach Kenny Brooks, made a statement on the road in West Lafayette, Indiana, securing their first away win of the season in dominant fashion against Purdue. Despite a slow start, Kentucky turned up the heat, overpowering the Boilermakers 82-52 to improve to 9-1 on the season.
A Rocky Beginning
Kentucky’s offense struggled to find rhythm early, starting the game just 1-of-7 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc. Purdue, entering the contest at 5-4, held a slim 4-2 lead midway through the first quarter. Both teams seemed stuck in neutral, with the Boilermakers leading 12-8 at the end of the first period.
The offensive woes carried over into the second quarter, as the Wildcats missed several open looks. However, senior guard Georgia Amoore provided a much-needed spark. By halftime, Amoore had racked up 13 points, reaching the impressive milestone of 2,000 career points. She finished the game with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, adding another stellar performance to her résumé. Kentucky finally took control when Clara Strack’s putback layup gave them their first lead, 18-17. Strack finished the game with a double-double, recording 12 points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. The Wildcats entered halftime with a 32-23 advantage.
Turning Up the Pressure
The second half showcased Kentucky’s depth and defensive prowess. Although the offense remained inconsistent, Dazia Lawrence helped push the lead to double digits with timely jumpers. Lawrence contributed 12 points and a game-high six assists, marking her second consecutive game with five or more assists. Kentucky went on a decisive 13-0 run in the third quarter, blowing the game open and entering the final frame with a commanding 52-33 lead.
Sealing the Deal
In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats continued to flex their dominance. Kentucky finished the game shooting 48% (30-of-63) from the field, including 10-of-33 from three-point range. While the offense found its stride late, it was Kentucky’s elite defensive effort that truly defined the game. The Wildcats stifled Purdue, forcing tough shots and creating turnovers that fueled their transition game.
Amelia Hassett led all scorers with 22 points, going 7-of-13 from the field and an impressive 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. She also pulled down nine rebounds, nearly securing a double-double. Her clutch shooting and physical presence in the paint gave the Boilermakers no chance of a comeback.
Looking Ahead
Kentucky now shifts its focus to Belmont (5-5) on December 20 at Historic Memorial Coliseum. Belmont recently pushed Mississippi State to the brink in a 73-70 loss, setting up an intriguing matchup for the Wildcats. Kentucky’s next SEC test looms on January 2 against Mississippi State, but first, they’ll aim to extend their win streak and fine-tune their game.
With their elite defense and balanced scoring, the Wildcats continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.