Kentucky’s 79-28 rout exposes Northern Kentucky’s shooting slump
The Wildcats forced 28 turnovers and outrebounded their opponent 60-34 in a game decided before the third quarter began.
By Simon Bennett ·
No. 14 Kentucky overwhelmed Northern Kentucky 79-28 on Thursday night, building a lead large enough to turn the contest into a formality. The Wildcats held a 42-12 advantage at halftime, a gap they maintained through the final two periods.
Asia Boone led the Wildcats with 21 points and five 3-pointers. Clara Strack added an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double, along with four blocks and three steals. Me’Arah O’Neal contributed 12 points, while Ajša Sivka scored 11. Kentucky finished the game 2-0.
Northern Kentucky’s offensive inefficiency was stark. The Norse shot 13.6% from the field, making just six of 44 attempts. They converted only two of 20 3-point shots. Their 28 points did not come from perimeter shooting or mid-range work; instead, they scored 14 points from the free-throw line, making 14 of 18 attempts.
The Wildcats controlled the glass and the ball. Kentucky forced 28 turnovers and outrebounded Northern Kentucky 60-34. In the first quarter, the Norse went 1-of-9 from the field and committed 10 turnovers. Kentucky scored the first nine points of the game and the final 16 of the first quarter to lead 25-3.
The gap widened early in the second half. Kentucky scored 20 straight points, including the first two baskets of the second quarter. After Northern Kentucky made its second field goal of the game, Kentucky added seven more points. A 3-pointer by Boone extended the lead to 36-5.
Sara Basaran and Anna Hamilton each scored six points for the Norse, who now hold a 1-1 record. The teams return to action this weekend. Northern Kentucky plays Kent State at home on Saturday, while Kentucky hosts No. 25 NC State on Sunday.
