The Lee University women’s basketball team went up against one of the best teams in Division I play in an exhibition game on Thursday evening and fell to the 15th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 95-51. It was the first Lee meeting against an SEC opponent.
“Tonight was obviously a very tough test for our team. Kentucky is just so long and athletic that they took us out of a lot of the offensive action we like to run,” said Lee Coach Marty Rowe. “That being said, when we executed, I thought we did some good things.
This was an awesome experience for our team and my family. I can’t thank Kentucky enough for this experience.”
Kentucky jumped in front 56-27 by halftime and never looked back. However, the Lady Flames did battle the SEC powerhouse on even terms in the third quarter (20-20) before being outscored 19-4 in the final frame. The Wildcats were led by Dre’Una Edwards who had 21 points and eight rebounds. Former Bradley Central star and All-American Rhyne Howard had 17 points and seven rebounds. Olivia Owens countered with 16 points and seven boards.
Lee senior guard Haley Schubert led all scorers with 28 points. She also pulled down six rebounds. Julia Duncan added eight points and freshman Anna Muhoen finished with six. Addison Smith added six rebounds and Camryn Grant five.
The Wildcats dominated the stat chart, shooting 51% from the field (40-78) and 35% from behind the arc (6-17). They went to the line 20 times and made nine (45%). The Lady Flames converted 44% from the floor (22-50) and made 6-15 3-pointers (40%). They made the only free throw they attempted the entire evening. Kentucky dominated the glass 41-28 and claimed 20 offensive rebounds while the Lady Flames captured just six.
“Our goal for this game was to compete for 40 minutes no matter the score and honestly that should be our goal every game,” Coach Rowe added. “We will address some things for this Saturday and get back to work.” It will be Homecoming when the Lady Flames host Covenant College in an exhibition game scheduled for 12 noon. The men will follow at 2 p.m. and face Brescia University in an exhibition. Both games are slated for Walker Arena.