Wildcats Host Razorbacks for Southeastern Conference Opener

Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team is gearing up to face Arkansas in their first Southeastern Conference game of the 2023-24 season. The game will take place on Thursday, January 4th at 7 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Excitement is building as the Wildcats look to continue their winning streak and improve their season record of 7-7.

Fans can catch all the action on SEC Network+ with Jeff Piecoro and Christi Thomas providing the commentary. The game will also be broadcasted on UK Sports Network and 630 AM WLAP, with the Voice of the Wildcats, Darren Headrick, calling the play-by-play.

The Wildcats enter conference play on a three-game winning streak, having won five of their last seven games overall. Their latest victory came against Samford, where they secured a 72-59 win on December 31st. Ajae Petty, senior forward, had an exceptional performance with 22 points and 13 rebounds, earning her seventh double-double of the season. Petty has been a standout player for the Wildcats, currently leading the team in both scoring (15.9 points per game) and rebounding (9.9 rebounds per game).

Maddie Scherr is the only other player averaging double-digit scoring for Kentucky with 15.8 points per game. However, since returning from the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Wildcats have seen an increase in scoring from multiple players. Petty (19.0), Scherr (17.4), Amiya Jenkins (13.0), and Saniah Tyler (11.6) are all averaging double-digit scoring during this period. Additionally, Kentucky has improved their ball movement, averaging 16.4 assists per game since returning from the overseas trip.

The Razorbacks will be one of the Wildcats’ home-and-home opponents this season. Arkansas ended their nonconference schedule with a four-game winning streak, bringing their season record to 12-3. Taliah Scott leads Arkansas in scoring with 23.0 points per game, while Saylor Poffenbarger is a force on the boards with a team-leading 12.7 rebounds per game. The Razorbacks have been successful on both ends of the court, averaging 72.9 points per game and holding their opponents to 63.5 points per game.

Kentucky has had the upper hand in their all-time series against Arkansas, leading 26-15. The Wildcats have won 12 of the last 14 matchups, although the two teams have split their last four meetings.

In addition to the game, the University of Kentucky women’s basketball program has planned several promotions and game themes for the Kentucky-Arkansas matchup. It is the SEC Home Opener, and fans can look forward to watching the 24-time national championship UK cheerleading team perform their national routine during halftime.

For those attending the game, free parking will be provided in the High Street lots three hours prior to tip-off. Fans are encouraged to stay updated with the team’s schedule promotions and game themes through UKathletics.com or by following @KentuckyWBB on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Overall, the stage is set for an exciting SEC showdown between the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Both teams will be seeking victory while showcasing their talent and skills on the court.