No. 17 Kentucky advanced to the SEC women's basketball tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, notching a 76-61 second-round win over Georgia behind Clara Strack's dominant performance.
Strack tied her career high with 33 points — including five 3-pointers — in the victory, while additionally registering eight rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Her offensive output ranks as the Kentucky's second-highest in SEC Tournament history, trailing only Valarie Still's 34 in 1982.
Wildcat Teonni Key also pitched in, recorindg a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Tonie Morgan contributed 14 points and seven assists.
Kentucky jumped ahead early, mounting a 20-16 lead after the first quarter behind Strack's 13 opening-period points. However, Georgia fought back in the second, entering halftime with a 36-35 advantage.
Nevertheless, Strack continued her hot streak in the third quarter, scoring nine points to push Kentucky to a 54-49 lead heading into the final frame.
The Wildcats then pulled away in the fourth quarter. After Georgia cut the deficit to four points at 60-56, Strack sparked a decisive run, scoring four straight baskets to ignite an 8-0 Kentucky stretch. Amelia Hassett sealed the victory with a 3-pointer and two free throws.
What's Next in the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament
Kentucky now faces top-seeded South Carolina in Friday's SEC quarterfinals, tipping off at 12 PM ET on ESPN.
