Blair Green came off the bench to help spark UK's win over Idaho State Sunday. (UK Athletics Photo)
Having just one day to prepare to play high-scoring Iowa means that Kentucky just has to “go back to the foundation of your defense” in the NCAA Tournament second round this afternoon. The 3:30 EST game in San Antonio is on ESPNU. Kentucky (18-8) is coming off a 71-63 win over Idaho State Sunday while Iowa (19-9) beat Central Michigan 87-72 to advance.
The game will feature two superstars in UK junior All-American Rhyne Howard and Iowa freshman Caitlin Clark, who averages 26.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. Iowa averages 86.6 points per game and allows 80.2 points per game. The Hawkeyes are hitting 51.4 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from 3-point range.
Kentucky coach Kyra Elzy says her team’s defensive foundation includes intensity, aggressiveness, and running Iowa off the 3-point line.
Elzy understands the talk about the Howard-Clark matchup. She calls Clark a “freshman phenom” and Howard “the best player in the game” but warns it is still a 5-on-5 game.
“Her ability to score. She has deep range and she can stop on a dime,” Elzy said about Clark. “She is consistent from the 3-point line. Her ability to pass and find the open man makes her so dangerous which makes it hard for the defense.”
Howard leads UK in almost every offensive category and can take over games with her scoring.
“But what makes her special is she has the unbelievable ability to involve her teammates in the offense,” Elzy said. “She is an extremely good passer. There will be times she has to take over (a game) but other players can’t stand and watch. She draws so much attention and other players have to step up and make plays.”
Elzy said not to doubt that Howard is the focus of the offense and she would love to see her score 30 points any game, including today.
“But you still have to have other players to keep the defense honest,” Elzy said
Elzy said the team needs a post presence and to have a 3-point presence.
“One point of emphasis is (point guard) Jazmine Massengill. She has to be a scorer and see herself as a scorer, be aggressive off the bounce and get to the rim, finish and hit rhythm shots,” Elzy said.
Elzy hopes the first-game win where she was able to empty the bench late in the game will help her team’s attitude and confidence.
“That’s always good, so everyone can smile and relax. But it also gave other players an opportunity to get on the floor and play. They’ve been working extremely hard and to see our starters so excited about the bench getting in and playing, that’s always exciting for your team.” Elzy said.
“Winning always helps everyone’s confidence, right? I do think there is something to that first game. You want to play well and obviously, there is a lot on the line – if you lose you go home. A little nerves, so that is good. You have seen some of these games are close because everyone is giving their all. It does help to get some of the nerves out of the way. Now, you just focus and stick to the game plan and be the best Kentucky team we can be.”
Kentucky is seeking its first Sweet 16 in the event since 2016.
