Kenny Brooks’ Kentucky Wildcats took on rival Louisville in the first big game of the Brooks era at UK. Historic Memorial Coliseum was sold out for the first time since its renovation, and the crowd was electric. Kentucky won a hard fought battle in overtime, 71-61.

Here are the final stats.

The game started off quick for Kentucky, with Teonni Key and Clara Strack combining for the first 8 points of the game. Key also recorded a big block in the first minute, helping the Cats get off to a 6 point lead in the first few minutes.

Louisville fought back from that early deficit by attacking the rim where they found success to start the game. Kentucky also had issues with playing sloppy early on, with a couple turnovers and fouls helping Louisville get back in the game.

The second quarter had less lead changes as Louisville held onto a 3-5 point lead for most of it. Every time Kentucky would make a run, Louisville had a response, holding onto a small lead for most of the 2nd.

Kentucky trailed by 3 at halftime after making another small run to end the first half.

Kentucky would come out strong in the second half with Dazia Lawrence and Georgia Amoore hitting a pair of threes to start it off. The Cats led for a good portion of the third quarter, but after a big Louisville run in the last 2 minutes Kentucky trailed by 4 going into the fourth.

Kentucky played a well-rounded fourth quarter holding onto a small lead for most of it. Dazia Lawrence had a chance to take the lead at the free-throw line while the game was tied with one minute left, but missed both.

The game went into overtime, tied at 58.

In overtime Teonni Key came up with her fifth block of the game which led to Amelia Hassett knocking down two free-throws after being fouled. Then, after a Dazia Lawrence fast break layup, a couple of trips to the free-throw line, and a Teonni Key transition layup, Kentucky extended their lead out of the Cardinals’ reach, sealing the win.

The Wildcats picked up the first major win of the Kenny Brooks era just four games in, defeating No. 18 Louisville 71-61.

Kentucky’s next game is on Monday November the 18th against Purdue Fort Wayne.

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