After missing five games of the season due to concussion protocol, freshman forward Tatyana Wyatt posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds on Tuesday night in the women’s basketball team’s victory over Evansville.

UK started off the game against Evansville at a fast pace, going on a 19-0 run before Evansville scored its first point midway through the first quarter. This lead gave the Cats a bit of room to work with going further into the game.

Halfway through the first quarter, Maci Morris and Alyssa Rice had six points apiece while Taylor Murray and Tatyana Wyatt both have five points. 

Morris was shooting perfectly from the field going into the second quarter and didn’t miss her first shot until the third quarter. She hit nine three pointers in a row before her first miss.

“I was kind of mad at myself for missing that one,” Morris said with a laugh.

During the fourth quarter, Wyatt scored her twentieth point and grabbed her tenth rebound before head coach Matthew Mitchell pulled her from the game. 

“We’re just so proud of her,” Mitchell said. “We absolutely believe in her talent and her ability. You all can see that she’s extremely poised for a freshman.”

For comparison, senior center Rice did not achieve her first double-double until this season versus Marshall. Rice’s leadership role on the team helped drive Wyatt into getting her first double-double so early in her career.

“There’s no question that Alyssa’s leadership has made a huge impact on our team, on individuals, and just overall on our team,” Mitchell said. “She has embraced improvement and all of our principles and is now passing it on to the younger players – and that’s what a leader does.”

Mitchell said that tonight’s game opened up a lot of opportunity for the freshman, especially since they don’t have anybody to play behind, which aided in Wyatt’s double-double.

“Leadership on our team is very encouraging,” Wyatt said. “They always tell the younger players to be the best that they can be and that really helps with confidence.” 

“To get the first double-double of my career was a great feeling,” Wyatt said. “Knowing that my teammates trust me to have the ball in my hands and giving me the opportunity to score.”

UK reached the century mark yet again this season, beating Evansville 100-68. The Cats had five players in double digits this game: Jaida Roper, Morris, Murray, Rice and Wyatt.

The Cats will tip off next at Florida Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. EST on Friday night.