Heartbreak in Overtime: Kentucky WBB’s Season Ends in Thriller as Kenny Brooks’ Debut Year Falls Short of Sweet 16
The Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team fought valiantly but saw their NCAA Tournament run come to a heartbreaking end in a dramatic 80-79 overtime loss to Kansas State on Sunday. The game, filled with intense moments, lead changes, and last-second opportunities, marked the conclusion of Kenny Brooks’ first season as head coach—a campaign that showed promise but ultimately fell short of the Sweet 16.
A Back-and-Forth Battle for the Ages
From the opening tip, it was clear that neither team would give an inch. Kentucky stormed out of the gate with a 7-0 run, fueled by Clara Strack’s dominant inside play. Strack, who ended the night with 22 points and eight rebounds, was a force in the paint, helping the Wildcats control the tempo early.
Kansas State, however, responded with a run of their own. The Wildcats from Manhattan, Kansas, went on a 10-0 surge late in the second quarter, seizing a 33-29 advantage. But Kentucky refused to back down. Dazia Lawrence drained a buzzer-beater before halftime, trimming the deficit to just two points and setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
The third quarter was a slugfest, with both teams trading baskets at a relentless pace. Neither side could pull away, as Kentucky relied on Strack and Teonni Key—who finished with a double-double of 13 points and a career-high 15 rebounds—to keep them in contention. The battle continued into the final quarter, where Georgia Amoore’s clutch three-pointer put Kentucky ahead 69-67 in the dying seconds. But Kansas State had one last response, tying the game at 69-69 with eight seconds remaining to force overtime.
A Gut-Wrenching Overtime Finish
In the extra period, Kentucky struck first with a putback from Key, but Kansas State answered with a three-pointer from Temira Poindexter—what would ultimately be the game-winning shot. Despite having multiple opportunities in the final moments, Kentucky couldn’t find the basket. Amoore, who had a shot at redemption with a buzzer-beater attempt, saw her effort agonizingly roll off the rim, ending the Wildcats’ season in crushing fashion.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future Despite the Loss
Although the loss stings, Kentucky’s 23-8 finish in Kenny Brooks’ first year as head coach signals a promising future. The team showed resilience throughout the season and gave fans plenty of reasons to believe in what’s to come. With a strong core of players and Brooks’ leadership, the Wildcats will look to build on this momentum and make a deeper tournament run next year.
While the pain of falling just short in such a thrilling contest will linger, Kentucky’s fight in this NCAA Tournament proves that this team is one to watch in the seasons ahead.
