Freshman Emily McDonald's Record-Breaking Three-Pointers Lead UK to 68-Point Blowout
By Emmie Dishman
KySportsStyle.com Magazine
LEXINGTON -- The Kentucky women’s basketball team put on a historic three-point show Wednesday night at Historic Memorial Coliseum, defeating Evansville 98-30 in a performance highlighted by a record-breaking night from freshman guard Emily McDonald.
The No. 12 Wildcats improved to 4-0 on the season, tying the program record with 18 made three-pointers while delivering one of their most impressive offensive performances of the season.
However, the biggest story of the night belonged to McDonald, who made history by becoming Kentucky’s new single-game record holder for three-pointers.
UK coach Kenny Brooks discussed her success. “It just goes to show you what a great shooter she (McDonald) is, how much confidence she has in herself, and more importantly, how much confidence her teammates have in her," he said.
Just days after 6-foot-5 teammate Ajša Sivka tied the previous program record with eight three-pointers against NC State, McDonald took things a step further. The freshman from Buffalo, N.Y., knocked down nine of her 12 attempts from beyond the arc, finishing with a game-high 27 points and officially claiming the record for herself.
McDonald’s historic performance was especially impressive considering she had struggled to find her rhythm from three-point range in Kentucky’s opening games. However, the rookie found her confidence and never looked back.
McDonald stated, “I think just the first one goes in and then the rest follow that definitely felt good.”
She continued knocking down shots throughout the night, eventually breaking the record previously shared by Sivka and former Wildcat Rhyne Howard
Kentucky's success from beyond the arc was not limited to McDonald. The Wildcats finished 18-of-39 from three-point range, marking the second consecutive game they tied the school record for most three-pointers in a game.
While McDonald led the way, Me’Arah O’Neal delivered another standout performance, finishing with 18 points and eight rebounds. O’Neal was particularly effective in the second quarter, scoring 11 consecutive points for Kentucky during a stretch that helped the Wildcats pull away from Evansville.
Sivka continued to show why she is one of Kentucky’s most dangerous offensive players, adding 12 points and two three-pointers after her record-tying performance against NC State. Senior center Clara Strack also had 11 points, adding three blocks to help Kentucky control the game on both ends of the floor.
The Wildcats also received impressive contributions from their freshmen.
Savvy Swords dominated the boards, collecting a game-high 13 rebounds while adding six points, four assists and four steals. Fellow freshman Maddyn Greenway led the team with eight assists and contributed three steals, helping create scoring opportunities for her teammates throughout the night.
Kentucky established control early, taking a 21-7 lead after the first quarter before heading into halftime with a 46-11 advantage. The Wildcats continued building their lead in the second half, eventually securing a 68-point victory.
With McDonald setting a new individual record, the team tying its three-point record for the second straight game, and multiple players contributing in different ways, Kentucky showed the offensive depth and chemistry that could make this team difficult to defend throughout the season.
The Wildcats will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup against Eastern Michigan on Sunday (12 noon) at Historic Memorial Coliseum. The game will be shown on the SEC Network.
Staff writer Emmie Dishman is a freshman at the University of Kentucky, studying Integrated Strategic Communications. She covers UK women's basketball for KySportsStyle.com Magazine.
BOX SCORE
Comments