UK Athletics Photo
She might not know a lot about the rivalry, but Kentucky guard Dazia Lawrence knows enough to understand Saturday’s game with Louisville will have a lot more intensity than UK’s first three games.
After easily beating Wofford 76-42 Tuesday night in Memorial Coliseum, No. 20 Kentucky is 3-0 in coach Kenny Brooks’ first season but the next game will be a lot more difficult as No. 18 Louisville will be in Memorial Coliseum Saturday night.
Lawrence had 19 points — the same amount she had combined in the first two games — after a sizzling start Tuesday when she had 15 of UK’s first 21 points and did not miss a shot in the first quarter. She also had one rebound, one assist and one steal in her best game of the season.
“We haven’t talked much about it (playing Louisville). We are a team that takes one game at a time,” Lawrence said after the game. “I know our practices the next few days will be locked in (on Louisville). I know it is a huge rivalry game. We will still have the same energy as every other night and take it as another game.”
Lawrence was one of four Wildcats to score in double figures against Wofford, the preseason favorite to win the Southern Conference that played without injured point guard Rachael Rose, the preseason conference player of the year.
“Coach Brooks has been on me about being confident and not passing up shots so I made sure tonight I didn’t pass up any open shots,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence said Brooks has every player practice 3-point shots daily.
“He has a great amount of confidence in us to take those shots,” Lauren said. “We just want everybody to eat and that makes us a good team. We do not want a good shot but a great shot, so we are going to pass.
“I feel like if we are hitting everybody has to guard the 3 and that leaves the post players open. If we are making shots, it makes for a great night.”
Kentucky’s defense was stifling as Wofford was only 14 of 69 from the field (20.3 percent). Kentucky also blocked 10 shots.
“If you focus on defense, then everything starts falling for me,” Lawrence said.
Sophomore center Clara Strack had another double-double with 16 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
Kentucky also got a season-best game from junior forward Teonni Key. She also had a double-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Point guard Georgia Amoore added 11 points despite going 1-for-6 from 3, three rebounds, seven assists and one steal.
