Emily McDonald scores 27 and sets record with 9 3s as No. 12 Kentucky women rout Evansville 98-30

Freshman Emily McDonald had an impressive game for No. 12 Kentucky, scoring 27 points and setting a program record with nine 3-pointers, all made on just 12 attempts. The freshman's performance broke a record previously held by teammate Ajša Sivka, who matched Rhyne Howard's mark of eight 3-pointers, a record that had stood since February 2022.

Kentucky's shooting prowess was evident as they went 18 of 39 (46%) beyond the arc, tying the team record for field goals made in a single game. The Wildcats also matched a team record set on January 1, 2025, in an SEC opener against Mississippi State.

Me’Arah O’Neal contributed 18 points to Kentucky's dominant performance, while Ajsa Sivka added 12 points and Clara Strack scored 11. Six different Wildcats managed to sink a 3-pointer throughout the game. For Evansville (0-3), Jayden Scott led the charge with 14 points on the board. Kentucky put on an early display of dominance, holding Evansville to just four points in the second quarter and leading 46-11 at the half.

Kentucky's shooting was on point in the first half, as they shot 60% from the field, including 8 of 17 attempts from three-point range.

The Wildcats capitalized on Evansville's early struggles, with O'Neal scoring the first 11 points of a 14-0 run that put Kentucky ahead 35-9. After Evansville climbed to double digits with four minutes and 58 seconds remaining before the half, Sivka responded with back-to-back 3-pointers, sparking another 11-0 Kentucky run that ended with the 46-11 halftime lead. Kentucky will face Eastern Michigan on Sunday, while Evansville will host Eastern Illinois on Saturday.