No. 5 Kentucky takes down No. 12 James Madison in the Round of 64

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – No. 5 Kentucky defeated No. 12 James Madison 71–56 in a wire-to-wire victory in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

The Wildcats led from start to finish behind a balanced scoring attack, with five players scoring nine or more points in the win.

Tonie Morgan led the way for Kentucky, tallying 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

Clara Strack added a double-double in the tournament opener with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. She also recorded four assists.

Amelia Hassett (14 points) and Jordan Obi (12 points) also finished in double figures.

Teonni Key contributed nine points and 10 rebounds.

Kentucky will now advance to the second round on Monday, where it will face the winner of No. 4 West Virginia and No. 13 Miami (OH). That game is scheduled to tip off at 5:00 p.m.