While most of us were finishing off the left overs, the UK Hoops squad was winning the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After playing a very physical Southern Miss team, A’dia Mathies was named MVP and freshman Kastine Evans was named to the All- Tournament team.
The UK Hoops squad has been plagued by injuries and finally received some good news as freshman Samantha Drake was cleared to play before today’s game. Unfortunately, Victoria Dunlap had to sit out due to a mild concussion after hitting her head on the floor after taking a charge during Friday’s game against Murray State.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]This team is known for their defense and today was not any different. The full court “in your face” pressure that has become the UK Hoops calling card, had a lot to do with today’s win.
Here’s a breakdown from ukathletics.com
[QUOTE=ukathletics.com]The Wildcats forced eight turnovers – including five steals – to fuel a 19-2 run to open the second half and lead No. 9 Kentucky to a 79-60 victory Saturday over Southern Miss in the championship game of the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Classic.
Kentucky forced 33 turnovers and came up with a season-high 18 steals.
“I just thought the five players we had on the floor were able to bring the pressure up a couple of notches and get that going and create some turnovers,” Mitchell said.
Kentucky overcame the absence of reigning SEC Player of the Year [URL=”http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/dunlap_victoria00.html”]Victoria Dunlap[/URL], as sophomore guard [URL=”http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/mathies_adia01.html”]A’dia Mathies[/URL] led six Wildcats with at least nine points.
They did that with defensive pressure and a balanced offense.
“To be able to win by the margin that we were able to without Victoria, I think, says a lot about our team,” Mitchell said.
Mathies, who was honored as the Classic’s Most Valuable Player, scored 14 points, while coming up with six steals, three assists and four rebounds. She had scored a season-high 21 points and grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds against Murray State.
“This freshman class that came in has been very productive and also the returning players, they’re carrying their weight,” Mathies said. “I think we did a good job (Saturday) with everybody coming together knowing that Victoria was out. There was a big hole there, but we got the job done.”[/QUOTE]
You can[URL=”http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/112710aag.html”] read the entire article here..[/URL]
After each win, the UK Hoops team sings the UK fight song to their fans. This is their performance after locking up the tournament championship.
