14-seed Wildcats runs away from 11-seed Gators

Greenville, SC — No. 14 seed Kentucky cruised past No. 11 seed Florida, 72-57, in the first round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Kentucky snapped a seven-game losing streak with the victory, behind 20 points from Robyn Benton and 12 points from Jada Walker. Adebola Adeyeye had 11 points and a career-high 17 rebounds in the win, while Maddie Scherr had 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.

Both teams came onto the court with an aggressive offensive approach, but an 8-0 run late in the first quarter helped Kentucky pull away, 18-12.

The Gators took charge of the second quarter, responding with a run of their own, 7-0, to come within just one point of the Wildcats at the half, 22-21.

With just over five minutes left in the half, eight players were ejected from the game after an altercation on the court.

The Wildcats’ hot shooting wouldn’t go away in the second as Scherr’s free throws led to a quick 32-26 advantage.

However, the Gators took the lead for the first time since the opening minute on baskets from Alberte Rimdal and Nina Rickards, 41-39.

Early in the fourth quarter, the fight for the lead was resolved by Benton’s relentless offense as he followed a pair of free throws with 3-pointers to jump in front, 48-44. The Wildcats continued their run, widening the gap, 66-52, with a 10-0 run.

Kentucky’s 29-point 4th quarter secured a decisive 72-57 victory over Florida to advance to the second round of the SEC tournament.

Kentucky improved to 12-9 in the SEC Tournament.

Florida (16-14, 5-11 SEC) was eliminated from the tournament.

Until Next Time

Kentucky will face 6-seed Alabama in the second round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at 8:30 PM ET at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.