Tonie Morgan delivers clutch winner in Baton Rouge
Tonie Morgan hit a game-winning three-pointer with less than a second remaining as No. 11 Kentucky upset fifth-ranked LSU 80-78 on Thursday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
LSU appeared to have sealed the win after converting three free throws with 18 seconds left. But Kentucky used nearly the entire shot clock on its final possession before Morgan rose from the left wing and knocked down her third three of the night.
Morgan’s career night powers Kentucky
Morgan delivered one of the most complete performances of her career, finishing with a season-high 24 points, 12 assists, three rebounds and zero turnovers in 39 minutes of action.
Kentucky also received major contributions from Asia Boone, who came off the bench to score 18 points while drilling five three-pointers. Teonni Key added 17 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, and Clara Strack battled foul trouble to post 15 points and nine boards.
Second-chance points make the difference
Kentucky dominated the offensive glass, pulling down 17 offensive rebounds and scoring 18 second-chance points. LSU managed just four second-chance points for the game.
Back-and-forth battle from the opening tip
LSU jumped out early, scoring the first five points and building an early cushion. Kentucky responded with a 13-0 run midway through the first quarter to briefly take the lead. The Tigers answered late to hold a slim 23-22 advantage after one period.
The second quarter featured multiple lead changes as both teams traded scoring runs. Kentucky tied the game at 41-41 heading into halftime after strong interior play from Key and steady free-throw shooting from Morgan.
Momentum swings late before dramatic finish
LSU opened the second half with a run and built a nine-point lead midway through the third quarter. Kentucky stayed within striking distance behind timely shooting from Boone and Morgan, trailing 65-60 entering the fourth.
In the final quarter, Kentucky chipped away before tying the game with just over two minutes remaining. After LSU regained the lead at the free-throw line, Morgan sealed the upset with her decisive three-pointer at the buzzer.
What’s next
Kentucky improves to 14-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Wildcats return home on Sunday to host Missouri at Historic Memorial Coliseum, with tipoff scheduled for noon ET on the SEC Network.
