No. 16 Kentucky’s Late Rally Falls Short in Senior Day Loss to No. 3 South Carolina

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The 16th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats fell at home to the third-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, 60-56. Kentucky now awaits its SEC Tournament seed for the tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, which begins Wednesday.

The game was back and forth throughout the first half, with the Gamecocks leading 33-27 at the break.

South Carolina created separation in the third quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 21-14 to take a 54-41 lead into the fourth.

Kentucky turned up the pressure in the final quarter, holding South Carolina to just six points and cutting the deficit to two. The Wildcats had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final 30 seconds but were unable to convert, as the Gamecocks held on for the four-point victory.

Clara Strack was dominant for the Wildcats, finishing with a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds.

Asia Boone also reached double figures with 11 points.

South Carolina was led by senior forward Madina Okot, who recorded a team-high 21 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

Tessa Johnson (12 points) and Raven Johnson (11 points) also finished in double figures for the Gamecocks.

Kentucky closes the regular season at 21-9 (8-8 SEC), while South Carolina finishes 29-2 (15-1 SEC).

Kentucky will learn its SEC Tournament seed later tonight. Stay tuned to ABC 36 for the Wildcats’ opponent and tip-off time, which will be announced Sunday evening.