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.
The No. 5 LSU Tigers are gearing up for their first big test of the 2025/26 NCAA basketball season, opening conference play against fellow SEC powerhouse No. 11 Kentucky on Thursday.
"There's nothing else that I can learn about this team in a non-conference schedule," LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said following her squad's 109-41 win over Alabama State on Sunday. "What I'm gonna learn is gonna be through these games in the SEC."
Known in recent years for playing a weak non-conference schedule, the Tigers have nonetheless impressed so far, closing out their 14-game slate averaging a 55.4-point margin of victory while scoring more than 100 points in 11 matchups.
Senior guard Flau'jae Johnson and star South Carolina transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley currently share LSU's scoring crown with 15.1 points per game, while senior Amiya Joyner tops the rebounds tally at 7.3 boards per game.
That said, LSU will need all their firepower when they host a Kentucky team hitting their stride under former Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks.
Hokies transfer Clara Strack stars for the Wildcats, leading Kentucky in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks as the team enters SEC play with just one loss — to No. 7 Maryland — on their 2025/26 NCAA record.
How to watch Kentucky vs. LSU on Thursday
The No. 5 Tigers will tip off against the No. 11 Wildcats at 8 PM ET, with live coverage streaming on SEC Network+.