UK Hoops rolls to 72-39 opening win vs. Rice

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – Evelyn Akhator had 16 points and 17 rebounds in her debut, Maci Morris added 16 points and No. 18 Kentucky beat Rice 72-39 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Akhator helped Chipola Community College win a national title last season.

Morris and Taylor Murray had 10 points apiece in the first half for Kentucky. The Wildcats outscored Rice 19-2 in the first quarter and held a 34-16 lead at halftime. The Owls were held to 6-of-25 shooting (24 percent) in the first half.

It was a similar story in the third quarter as Kentucky held Rice to five points.

Alexis Jennings scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds for Kentucky. The Wildcats made 7 of 14 3-pointers, led by Kyvin Goodin-Rogers’ three makes.

Shani Rainey led Rice with 12 points. The Owls shot 27 percent from the floor and turned it over 23 times.

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