Kentucky women crush Northern Kentucky 79-28 in dominant home victory

The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team defeated Northern Kentucky 79-28 on Thursday night in Lexington, extending the Wildcats’ winning start to the season. The No. 14 ranked team controlled the game from the opening tip, establishing a lead that Northern Kentucky was unable to overcome.

Asia Boone led all scorers with 21 points, including five successful three-pointers. Clara Strack contributed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double for the Wildcats. Strack also recorded four blocks and three steals. Me’Arah O’Neal added 12 points, while Ajša Sivka scored 11. The Kentucky squad, now 2-0, forced 28 turnovers and outrebounded their opponents 60-34.

The Wildcats built their advantage early in the first quarter. Kentucky scored the first nine points of the game and the final 16 points of the opening period. The Norse struggled offensively, going 1-for-9 from the field and committing 10 turnovers during that stretch. Kentucky led 25-3 when the first quarter ended.

Northern Kentucky’s defensive efforts failed to stop the momentum. The Wildcats extended their lead to 20 straight points with the first two baskets of the second half. After Northern Kentucky made its second field goal, Kentucky scored seven more points. A three-pointer by Boone put the game out of reach at 36-5. The Wildcats led 42-12 at halftime.

The Norse, now 1-1, shot just 13.6 percent from the field, making only six of 44 attempts. They hit only two of 20 three-pointers. Half of Northern Kentucky’s points came from the free-throw line, where they made 14 of 18 shots. Sara Basaran and Anna Hamilton each scored six points for the losing team.

Northern Kentucky will host Kent State on Saturday. Kentucky remains at home to face No. 25 NC State on Sunday.