The ladies of the University of Kentucky Hoops team claimed another “W” today at Memorial Coliseum in a thrilling 73-60 victory.  While this team has been lead almost all season by Jennifer O’Neil as the guard and DeNesha Stallworth as the “big girl,” today we see a switching of roles as Janee Thompson steps up into the guard spot, and Azia Bishop had a career high 17 points.  There were several notable moments during todays game that may have defined the outcome.  Let’s take a closer look…

The Hoops put up some impressive numbers this afternoon, especially off the bench players.  Azia Bishop came off the bench today and was the leading scorer with 17 points, and also had 5 rebounds today.  Janee Thompson also came off the bench and scored 8 points and had 3 assists in only a total of 18 minutes played.  Samarie Walker put up a double-double with 13 rebounds and 10 points, and A’dia Mathies scored 15 points.  The Hoops had a total of 27 bench points to LSU’s 6.

While the Hoops did send the Tigers packing, they didn’t give up so quickly.  The Tigers played a hard fought 40 minutes, with seven total lead changes throughout the game.  Theresa Plaisance, a LSU center who leads the SEC in points per game, had 19 points and 8 rebounds tonight, and Adrienne Webb, a guard, had 18 points.  After the game, Plaisance commented that the UK “depth played a huge role.  Their bench was just as good as their starters.”  

During the press conferences, coaches and players always say the darndest things.  Here’s the top five quotes from today:

5. “The last two minutes of the game, you could see a rise in their intensity and ability to push the ball all 94 feet.”- LSU head coach Nikki Caldwell on the late spurt of energy in Kentucky.

3. “The level of competitive play through the SEC is very strong”- Coach Caldwell

2. “I had a lot of fun it was great to come out and produce for my team.”- Azia Bishop on her game play today.

And the number one quote of the day goes to…..

1.“Theres teams and players who you can sense want it more, and I could tell that Kentucky wanted it more than us.”- Coach Caldwell

The Hoops will rest this Thursday, but next Sunday at 2 we’ll be right back here at Memorial, tipping off against the Georgia Bulldogs.  Until then, fantanarosa.  @KSR_allHAYL