UK Hoops endured an imperfect script of interior defensive breakdowns, a late-game technical foul and no production from the seniors in their final home game, but still managed to compose a storybook ending.

The Cats finished off an undefeated home season and secured at least a share of its first SEC regular-season title since 1982 with a 53-50 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks Thursday night at Memorial Coliseum.

Three seniors, Crystal Riley, Amber Smith and Keyla Snowden, were recognized in a pre-game Senior Night ceremony. The trio combined for 26 minutes of play — scoring no points on 0-for-4 shooting from the floor.

“When we look back at it 20 years from now we’re not going to think ‘I had such-and-such points,’ we are going think ‘we left this season undefeated (at home),’” said Snowden.

Meanwhile South Carolina forwards Charenee Stephens and Sancheon White were posting up deep on the block and scoring regularly, hitting a combined 11-for-16 from the field for 23 points.

“I wish we were a little deeper in the post because I would have subbed her (Samarie Walker),” said Mitchell. “I think she got a little tired. It was hot in there tonight. She’s still developing as a defensive player.”

UK freshman Bria Goss was assessed a technical foul with three seconds remaining in the game. With the Cats up 53-48, South Carolina had to bring the ball the entire length of the court with four seconds left. The Gamecocks rolled the ball in to preserve time. Goss hustled to the spot, dove on the ball, gained possession and called a quick timeout.

“She was just hustling,” said Snowden. “It was a hustle play. When you are in that moment of the game you just kind of react.”

Unfortunately for the Cats, they were out of timeouts.

“The only thing I was upset about was that I [told them to] let them roll it in and get back. She kept getting up like she wanted to guard the ball and I told her to get back and let them roll it in no problem,” said Mitchell. “It’s five points. She dives on the floor and we were still in good shape until she made the ‘T’ sign. Then they T’d us.”

South Carolina senior guard La’Keisha Sutton made both of the technical free throws to make it a one-possession game at 53-30.

The Gamecocks threw a three-quarter court inbound pass that was deflected and ultimately stolen by Meagan Conwright, who dribbled out the last three seconds for the UK victory.

UK junior guard A’dia Mathies played an aggressive offensive game, leading the Cats with 21 poins on 8-for-17 shooting from the floor.

“We just didn’t have a lot of other people step up early,” Mitchell said. “It was good that she was aggressive.”

Goss added 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting.

“She is really, really just playing so terrific for a freshman with so much on the line. She knows what’s on the line,” said Mitchell. “As a coach it’s great to have someone that works that hard and embraces big moments like that.”

The Cats finished undefeated at home (18-0) and is the only team in the SEC to win all their conference home games (8-0). This marks the third time in UK Hoops history that they have finished a season undefeated at home.

The Cats’ win coupled with the Tennessee Lady Vols loss at home to Arkansas means the Cats (12-3 SEC) are now one game in front of the Vols (11-4 SEC) for the conference regular-season title with one game remaining for each team.

The Cats (23-5) finish out the season with a 12:30 p.m. game Sunday at Mississippi State (14-14, 4-11 SEC). The Lady Vols (20-8) host Florida (18-10) Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on ESPNU.

“We don’t want to stop here. We still have other goals to fulfill,” said Goss. “Yeah, they lost, but we have to focus on what we have to do Sunday.”

“If we beat Mississippi State, we are the champions,” said Mitchell.