Kentucky's 51-Point Victory Over Northern Kentucky

Asia Boone stood on the court in Lexington, Kentucky, on Thursday night and drained five 3-pointers to lead No. 14 Kentucky to a 79-28 victory over Northern Kentucky. The Wildcats controlled the game from the opening tip, establishing a lead that never wavered and finishing with a margin of 51 points.

Clara Strack anchored the defense and the glass, posting a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. She also recorded four blocks and three steals. Me’Arah O’Neal contributed 12 points, while Ajša Sivka added 11 for the 2-0 Wildcats.

Northern Kentucky struggled to find rhythm, shooting 13.6 percent from the field with 6 of 44 attempts. The Norse (1-1) made only two of their 20 3-point shots. Half of their total points came from the free-throw line, where they converted 14 of 18 opportunities. Sara Basaran and Anna Hamilton each scored six points.

The Wildcats forced 28 turnovers and outrebounded the Norse 60-34. Kentucky built a 42-12 halftime lead after scoring the first nine points of the game. The team extended its advantage with a 20-point run that spanned the end of the first quarter and the start of the second half. Boone’s 3-pointer in that stretch moved the score to 36-5.

Northern Kentucky will play at home against Kent State on Saturday. Kentucky remains at home for its next game, hosting No. 25 NC State on Sunday.