LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Lexi Blue set career highs with 18 points and six 3-pointers, Amelia Hassett contributed 17 points and seven rebounds, and No. 24 Kentucky made 17 shots from beyond the arc in a commanding 104-49 victory over Monmouth on Thursday night.
The Wildcats dominated early, opening the game on a 21-1 run. Monmouth did not hit its first field goal, a 3-pointer, until there was 1:43 left in the first quarter. Kentucky maintained control throughout, closing the half on an 8-3 run to hold a 55-18 lead. They then scored nine consecutive points to start the third quarter.
Kentucky improved to 2-0 to begin the season for the 13th consecutive year. The Wildcats were coming off a 75-59 win against Morehead State despite struggling from long range, going 4 of 24 on 3-pointers in that game. They responded impressively against Monmouth, shooting 17 of 36 from beyond the arc—just one shy of a program record.
Lexi Blue was lights out, making her first six 3-pointers, and Kentucky added five more triples in the fourth quarter. Josie Gilvin capped the scoring with two free throws with 43.6 seconds left in the game, giving Kentucky its first 100-point performance since 2017.
Teonni Key and Asia Boone each added 14 points for the Wildcats, who will face Buffalo on Sunday in a homecoming game for Clara Strack.
Monmouth (1-1) was led by Alexis Andrews, who scored 12 points.
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