Cats end decade of futility against LSU with 71-62 win

A new decade means the beginning of a new streak for the Cats.

UK’s decade-long winless drought against Louisiana State came to an end on Thursday night as the Cats disposed of the Lady Tigers 71-62 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The No.23 Cats (17-3, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) had not defeated No.19 LSU (14-5, 3-4 SEC) since the 1999 SEC tournament. The Cats had not won in Baton Rouge, La., since 1995.

Quick starts have been a staple during the Cats’ three-game win streak, and for the most part, the entire season. Yet, the key difference in the LSU game was a strong finish.

UK ended the game on a 14-5 run in the final 6:11 to pick up their fourth straight win.

Until UK’s decisive run the second half, the game was a back and forth battle with both teams trading baskets, and no team creating a lead larger than five points.

After losing last year’s matchup with LSU 57-56, the Cats seemed to be avoiding a similar situation this year. With the game tied at 21-21 in the first half, UK went on an 11-0 run, capped by a Crystal Riley jumper, to take a 32-21 lead with 7:04 left on the clock.

Playing with a chip on her shoulder, Riley, a sophomore guard who transferred to UK from LSU last season, had matched her previous season high of seven points by the intermission playing in relief of starting point guard Amber Smith who had three fouls. Riley finished with 11 points.

However, the Lady Tigers stormed back to knot the game at 36-36 by the break courtesy of the strong play of senior guard Allison Hightower, who is on the John Wooden Award watch list.

Ultimately, LSU could not keep the Cats from winning this game and improving their chances to take a serious run at the SEC title.

UK junior forward Victoria Dunlap was the game’s leading scorer and rebounder with 24 points and nine boards.  

The win marks the second win over a top 25 team this season for the Cats. The other win came against then 17th-ranked Vanderbilt, which ended an 11-year winless streak against the Commodores.

UK stays on the road for their next game against Mississippi State on Sunday.