Wildcats’ late surge enough to down Razorbacks, 78-57

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Arkansas had three players in double figures but couldn’t overcome a late surge, falling 78-57 at Kentucky on Thursday.

Arkansas (12-14, 3-10 SEC) got 18 points from Jailyn Mason, 14 points from Malica Monk and 12 points from Bailey Zimmerman but Kentucky (13-14, 5-8 SEC) outscored the Razorbacks 33-12 in the final quarter and a half to get the win.

Arkansas spotted Kentucky a lead to start the game but climbed back into the contest with a late run that included a 3-point field goal at the buzzer from Mason. That basket gave Arkansas its first lead of the night.

Kentucky heated up in the second stanza out scoring Arkansas 20-12. The Wildcats held a double-digit lead but back-to-back 3-point field goals by Zimmerman cut the deficit to seven, 39-32, at the half.

The Razorbacks got a quick start in the third quarter and went on a 13-6 run to tie the game at 45-all with 5:13 to play in the frame. A 7-0 Kentucky run would reclaim the lead and put the game out of reach for Arkansas.

The Razorbacks finished the game with 11 3-point field goals and committed just seven turnovers. The Wildcats’ height advantage allowed them to control the boards, 44-31, and outscore Arkansas 38-12 in the paint. Kentucky got 32 points from its bench while Arkansas managed just seven from its non-starters.

Notes
• Arkansas has had seven games with double digit 3-point field goals and 16 games with more 3-point field goals than its opponent.
• Malica Monk has scored in double figures in 24 games.
• Jailyn Mason has scored in double figures in 17 games.
• Bailey Zimmerman has scored in double figures in five games this season including three of her last four games.

Up Next
The Razorbacks return home hosting LSU on Sunday at 2 p.m. The team celebrates Senior Day and Play4Kay and fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game. Arkansas hosts No. 17/18 Texas A&M on Feb. 22 in the final home game of the year. The Razorbacks travel to Vanderbilt on Feb. 25 in the final game of the regular season.