No. 9 Kentucky gets revenge against No. 8 Georgia to advance to the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals

GREENVILLE, S.C. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The No. 9 seed Kentucky Wildcats used a dominant second half to defeat the No. 8 seed Georgia Bulldogs 76–61 in the second round of the 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

It was a slow start for both teams heading into the first media timeout. Neither team had made a three-pointer, but thanks to a combined eight points in the paint from Teonni Key and Clara Strack, the Wildcats led 9-4 at the 4:56 mark of the first quarter.

The offense picked up in the latter half of the first quarter, with Kentucky setting the pace and leading 20-16 after one. Strack had 13 points in the opening quarter, including two three-pointers.

Georgia outscored Kentucky 10–4 to start the second quarter, gaining its first lead since it was 2-0 at 26–24. Kentucky responded with a quick 5–0 run led by Clara Strack to regain the lead at 29–26 heading into a timeout with 4:42 remaining in the second quarter.

After Strack picked up her second foul with 2:31 left in the half, Georgia was able to take the lead into the locker room, holding a 36–35 advantage at halftime. Strack led the way with 18 first-half points.

Kentucky opened the second half by holding Georgia to just six points over the first 6:12. That defensive stretch helped the Wildcats regain the lead at 45–42 in a back-and-forth contest.

Kentucky maintained the lead entering the fourth quarter, holding a 54-49 advantage.

Georgia cut the lead to four at 60-56 before an 8-0 Kentucky run pushed the Wildcats ahead by 12 at the 3:39 mark, forcing a Georgia timeout.

The Wildcats maintained control for the remainder of the fourth quarter, defeating the Bulldogs by 14 points to advance to the quarterfinals.

Kentucky outscored Georgia 41-25 in the second half.

The Wildcats also held Georgia to 5-of-26 (19%) shooting from three-point range.

Clara Strack led Kentucky with a career performance, tying her career high with 33 points. She also recorded eight rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.

Teonni Key, who missed the first meeting against Georgia earlier this season, was also a major factor in the win. She finished with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Tonie Morgan joined them in double figures with 12 points and added seven assists.

Dani Carnegie led Georgia with 18 points.

Kentucky advances to the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, where it will face the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks (29-2, 15-1 SEC). Tipoff is set for noon Friday and will be televised on ESPN.