Kentucky Women’s Basketball Rolls Past Wright State Despite Missing a Key Starter
Friday night in Lexington was supposed to be just another tune-up-a non-conference matchup against a mid-major opponent before SEC play ramps up. But before the opening tip, Kentucky threw a curveball: starting forward Teonni Key was ruled out with what the program called “a lingering injury from the fall.” She’s considered day-to-day.
It marked the first time this season that the Wildcats were without a starter, and Key’s absence at the four spot meant a shift in the rotation. Tonie Morgan, Asia Boone, Jordan Obi, Amelia Hassett, and Clara Strack got the starting nod. Boone, typically Kentucky’s spark off the bench, stepped into a starting role, while Obi and Hassett each slid down a position to help fill the void.
Even with that shake-up, the No. 12 Wildcats didn’t miss a beat.
Kentucky steamrolled Wright State, 96-53, improving to 12-1 under first-year head coach Kenny Brooks. And while the final score reads like a blowout-and it was-the early moments told a different story.
At the first media timeout, Kentucky was clinging to a narrow 13-11 lead. Offensively, the Wildcats were finding their rhythm, but on the defensive end, things weren’t quite clicking. That changed in a flash.
Kentucky closed the first quarter on a ferocious 20-2 run, flipping a tight contest into a 31-13 lead in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, the energy shifted. The defense tightened up, transition opportunities opened up, and the scoreboard started tilting heavily in the Wildcats’ favor.
The second quarter followed a similar script. Kentucky started a little slow, then caught fire.
A 22-0 run to close the half blew the game wide open. Add it up, and the Wildcats ended the first two quarters with a pair of backbreaking runs that totaled a 42-2 advantage.
That’s not just dominance-that’s a statement.
By the time the third quarter wrapped up, Kentucky had doubled up Wright State, 74-37. The fourth quarter was a formality, with the Wildcats cruising to the finish line and putting the exclamation point on a wire-to-wire win.
It was the kind of performance that shows just how deep and dangerous this Kentucky team can be, even when missing a key contributor. Boone stepped in and delivered.
The rest of the lineup adjusted seamlessly. And once the defense locked in, Wright State simply couldn’t keep up.
Now, the Wildcats head into a nine-day holiday break before wrapping up non-conference play. They’ll be back on the floor Dec. 28 against Hofstra at Historic Memorial Coliseum, with tipoff set for 2 p.m.
ET on SEC Network+. One more tune-up before the real grind begins.
But if Friday night was any indication, this team is more than ready.