By Tyler Spanyer | UK Hoops beat writer

tspanyer@kykernel.com

The 3-seed Cats used big performances from junior guard Jennifer O’Neil and senior forward Samarie Walker to roll past 14-seed Wright State University 106-60 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The 106 points are a program record for a NCAA Tournament game.

UK broke an NCAA Tournament record with 67 rebounds against an undersized Wright State team. They outrebounded the Raiders by 27 in the game.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of today’s game,” said UK Hoops head coach Matthew Mitchell. “Really proud of our players. Our players have worked very hard to prepare for this tournament, and I’m really proud of our effort.”

In the first half, the Cats got off to a slow start going just 1-5 from the field in the first four minutes, but thanks to three-pointers by O’Neill and junior guard Bria Goss the Cats started to distance themselves.

Walker recorded her ninth double-double of the season in the first half as she scored 10 points and grabbed 10 boards in the first 20 minutes. O’Neill also scored 10 points in the first frame including 2-2 from behind the arc.

“Rebounding is always important,” Walker said. “But today we had the advantage and we took it.”

Wright State, who averages 84 points per game, was held to just 25 points in the first half on 20% shooting from the field. In comparison the Cats scored 51 points on 45.7% shooting from the field.

In the second half, the Raiders shooting woes continued as the Cats extended their lead to as much as 39 in the second half.

O’Neill finished with 21 points, including a 4-of-4 mark from behind the arc. It was her seventh game scoring 20 or more points this season. Walker, who recorded a double-double in the first half, finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds in the win.

O’Neill and Walker were two of seven Cats who scored in double-figures in the win.

The Cats recorded a season high 12 blocks in the game, while holding Wright State to 22.9 percent from the field. Wright State junior guard Kim Demmings, who came in averaging 22.7 points per game, scored just 12 points on 5-of-20 shooting from the field.

“We had a big size advantage that made it difficult for them to score at the rim,” Mitchell said. “I think our guards did a good job of leveling off the ball and not letting them get in the lane. Our overall talent and depth probably was the main factor in our defensive performance.”

In comparison the Cats shot 55% from the field including 7-14 from behind the arc.

The Cats will face either No. 6-seed Syracuse or No. 11-seed Chattanooga in Monday’s third round game at Memorial Coliseum.

“Monday night is really big for us,” said Mitchell. “As a program we have never made three straight Sweet 16’s and we have that opportunity Monday night.”