LEXINGTON, Ky. – No. 11/10 Kentucky returns to Memorial Coliseum to face its third-straight ranked opponent in 15th-ranked Texas A&M for its annual #Play4Kay game. The Wildcats will don pink and blue uniforms in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer research and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The Wildcats are currently in a three-way tie for fourth place in the Southeastern Conference standings with the Aggies and LSU. With just four regular-season games remaining, Kentucky is looking to secure a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament for the sixth straight season.
“Texas A&M is a very good team,” Matthew Mitchell said. “Some of the best players in the conference are on their team. It will be a difficult challenge. Our team is upbeat and excited for the game, and we are going to work hard and see if we can earn a very, very important victory for our team.”
UK also looks to get back on the winning track after falling to No. 6 Tennessee, 72-58, on Sunday in Knoxville. The Wildcats were outscored 41-27 in the second half, including a 16-6 stretch in the final eight minutes. Four players were in double figures paced by sophomore Makayla Epps’ 13 points. Senior guard Jennifer O’Neill added 12 points, while senior Bria Goss and sophomore Linnae Harper added 10 points each.
In SEC play, the guard play of Goss, Epps, Harper and O’Neill leads the way. Epps currently leads the league in scoring with 16.9 ppg, while O’Neill is seventh with 13.8 ppg. Harper is 14th with 12.3 ppg, while Goss is UK’s fourth-leading scorer in SEC-only play with 10.8 ppg.
Harper should be considered one of the most versatile players in the SEC as she is the only player to rank in the league’s top 10 (SEC games only) in rebounding (T7th) and steals (2nd). Standing at just 5-foot-8, Harper is the only player under 5-foot-10 in the top 10 of SEC rebounding statistics and is one of only six players in the NCAA to stand at 5-8 or under and average at least 7.0 rebounds per game.
Fans are encouraged to use extreme caution and proper discretion if they are planning on attending the game, with temperatures expected to be well below freezing and hazardous road conditions.
In addition to season ticket holders and those who had single-game tickets for Thursday night’s game – all attendees of the game who can safely make it to Memorial Coliseum will be admitted free of charge.
The game will tip off at its scheduled time of 7 p.m. ET in Memorial Coliseum. The game can be seen online as well as through smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, ESPN3, and can be heard live on the UK Sports Radio Network with Neil Price calling the action.
Current affiliated providers for authenticated access to SEC Network and SEC Network + on WatchESPN include AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, Cox, DISH, Google Fiber, Suddenlink*, NCTC, NRTC and NTTC. NCTC and NTTC will have access when member companies launch the WatchESPN app later in the month.
While UK Athletics and Campus officials are working hard to help minimize the impact of severe weather on the streets, parking lots, and sidewalks around Memorial Coliseum, there will likely be a reduced amount of spaces available due to snow and ice buildup.
Guests are urged to use extreme caution if deciding to attend the game as conditions may be dangerous. Shuttle services from the South Limestone Garage (next to Kennedy’s Bookstore) as well as from the Transit Center Garage (off High Street and Lexington Avenue) will be available starting at5:30pm. Doors to the Coliseum will open 1 hour prior to tip-off (6:00pm). All shuttles will be heated and handicap accessible.
Thursday night is UK’s annual #Play4Kay game, where the Wildcats will be wearing pink uniforms to help promote research and development for breast cancer. Fans are strongly encouraged to wear pink to the game and help the cause.
Doors to Memorial Coliseum will open at 6 p.m. ET, one hour prior to tip off.
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