‘Too many open threes.’ After fast start by UK, Alabama tracks down Cats from long range.

On a night when Wildcats icon Rhyne Howard was sitting courtside, the Kentucky women’s basketball team came out firing.

Though Kentucky started strong, it ultimately could not finish the job in Thursday night’s 72-65 loss to Alabama in Memorial Coliseum.

For the entirety of the first half, UK played every possession on both ends of the floor with grit, intensity and speed — putting forth a concerted effort even when Alabama shot lights out.

Kentucky (10-13 overall, 2-9 SEC) led 20-15 after one quarter and 33-31 at halftime against a Crimson Tide team (18-6, 7-4) still in contention for one of the coveted top four seeds in the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

But after making 50 percent of their shots in the first half, the Wildcats went cold, shooting 3-for-12 in the third quarter and committing seven costly turnovers. By period’s end, Alabama led 49-42. The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 15 points in the fourth quarter before a late UK run made only for a respectable final score.

The loss was Kentucky’s second in a row and fourth in five games. With only five games remaining in the regular season, the Wildcats are in danger of the program’s first losing season since 2017-18.

“You talk about five games left,” UK head coach Kyra Elzy said. “That’s an eternity. And, you know, one at a time. That’s all you can focus on. The next game up is the most important. We’re not going to lay down, we cannot give up. Obviously, not where we want to be. But we can control our own destiny in the remaining games and keep fighting, keep learning, keep growing and going to work.”

A quick start

In a first quarter that saw standout moments from reserves Eniya Russell and Adebola Adeyeye, the Wildcats got out to a five-point lead. Jada Walker fueled the fast start with nine of her 15 points on the night, driving aggressively to the basket for several early buckets.

Alabama kept things close thanks to its marksmanship from beyond the arc. The Crimson Tide made eight of their 13 three-point baskets in the first half, surviving a second quarter without a two-point field goal.

Alabama entered the game averaging 37.5% from beyond the arc and, on Thursday night, shot 46% from three.

“We always tell our players,” Alabama head coach Kristy Curry said. “Don’t pass up an open shot. Catch, and ready to shoot. I think when there’s no hesitation, and you’ve got teammates and a staff that believes in you making open shots. When we can share the ball and have four in double figures, it really makes a big difference.”

Five separate Alabama shooters delivered at least one from long range. Aaliyah Nye hit four, while Hannah Barber and Brittany Davis made three each.

UK shot 7-of-21 from three, with Robyn Benton going 4-of-7, Maddie Scherr 2-of-4 and Walker 1-of-5.

“They’re a great three-point shooting team,” Elzy said of the Crimson Tide. “Obviously, they’ve shot the ball well all conference season long. We gave them some open threes early that didn’t go and then we just gave them way too many open threes. We did not close the gap. Make them put the ball on the floor, 13-for-28, ballgame. You look at the stat sheet across, we’ve either won or tied in most statistical categories but at the end of the day, 13 threes — ballgame.”

After Alabama stole the momentum early in the second half, Kentucky was never able to fully reclaim it. A three-pointer by Benton trimmed the Crimson Tide lead to 70-65 with 20 seconds remaining but that was as close as the Wildcats would get.

Bench brigade

Russell, who was on the court for 16 minutes, delivered one of her finest performances of the season. The junior transfer from South Carolina contributed four points, five rebounds, four assists and a whole lot of fight.

“She’s practiced well the last couple of weeks,” Elzy said. “I thought she came in and gave us a big spark. Attacking in transition, made some great passes. And that’s what we need from her. She’s really talented. She has a chance to really make us different from what she brings to the perimeter. Right now it’s just trying to get her to be consistent. But I think she’s starting to turn the corner, which is good to see.”

Adeyeye came off the bench to chip in nine points, nine rebounds and three blocks before fouling out. Ajae Petty added four points as UK’s bench outscored Alabama’s 17-15.

Kentucky’s post trio of Nyah Leveretter, Adeyeye and Petty combined for 19 points and 11 rebounds — just short of Coach Kyra Elzy’s previously stated goal of 12 points and 15 boards for the group but a major contribution on this night.

“In practice, we’ve been really honing in on rebounding and being together as a group,” Adeyeye said following the loss. “Coming out in this game and doing what we need to do to help the team. Coming out, being aggressive, talking, being crazy on the boards and just doing what we need to do to help the team and improve.”

Walker led the Wildcats in scoring with 15 points. Benton finished with 14 and Scherr 11.

Davis led Alabama with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Next game

Kentucky at Ole Miss

When: 7 p.m. EST Monday

TV: SEC Network

Radio: WLAP-AM 630

Records: Kentucky 10-13 (2-9 SEC), Ole Miss 19-5 (8-3)

Series: Ole Miss leads 26-19

Last meeting: Ole Miss won 63-54 on Jan. 23, 2022, in Lexington