The Bulldogs lost a hard-fought matchup to the University of Kentucky by a score of 66-56, but they showed much improvement from their previous meeting against the Wildcats.
The Bulldogs had a much better start against the Kentucky Wildcats this time around, in comparison to their previous matchup where they were outscored 44-14 in the first half. The Bulldogs through the play of Caliya Robinson, who once again started the game on the bench, and Pachis Roberts were able to keep the game much closer going into the half with Kentucky leading by a much closer score of 36-31.
The Bulldogs started the second half off cold, but as the third quarter went on they continued to convert more and more scoring opportunities. Roberts was a big contributor for the Bulldogs in the third as she had 6 of the Bulldogs 12 points. However, their counterparts did just the opposite as the Wildcats started off the quarter much better but ended it without a field goal in the last 3:54.
Free throws were the Wildcats saving grace as they finished the game with 18 points from the charity stripe in comparison to the Bulldogs’ 7 points. This was a well-fought game for the Bulldogs and although it did not end in victory, they should be encouraged by how much better they played in this game in comparison to their previous contest against the Wildcats. The fourth quarter did not bring much change to the game’s outcome, but the Wildcats three-point shooting and free throws helped seal the victory for them.
Roberts had a great performance for the Bulldogs as she finished the game as the Bulldogs’ leading scorer with 22 points, but the difference maker in this game for me was the play from Caliya Robinson. The Bulldogs seem to go as Robinson goes and as the reigning National Player of the Week, she has been on an absolute tear. This trend continued against Kentucky as she finished with a double-double, with 19 points and with 12 rebounds not to mention her 6 blocks. Robinson struggled in the Bulldogs’ first meeting against the Wildcats, which she only had two points and two rebounds, but her steady play helped keep the Bulldogs in this game until the end.
Although they did not come away victorious, Robinson’s ability to continue to play outstanding basketball is a very encouraging sign for the Bulldogs and head coach Joni Taylor. If Robinson can continue to play at the level she has played in the Bulldogs’ previous three games then they should finish the season strong.