When 18 seconds remained, the UK Hoops team held an 82-41 advantage over the Ole Miss Rebels.

As the teams huddled for a final timeout, it was announced that the Tennessee Lady Vols had  lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks 64-60, meaning that the Cats would hold a two-game advantage in the SEC standings, moving them one step closer to their goal of a conference title.

The 7,429 UK fans in attendance exploded in cheers, but the team huddled around UK head coach Matthew Mitchell seemed oblivious, despite obviously hearing the announcement and the crowd eruption.

Up 41 points with 18 seconds to go, the team stayed focused on coach Mitchell.

The UK Hoops team continued their mission toward an SEC regular-season title by forcing 36 Ole Miss turnovers in an 82-41 victory at Memorial Coliseum Thursday night.

“We have goals and we have standards, and we are here to show everyone what we can really do,” sophomore guard Bria Goss said. “We want to take advantage of this opportunity we have.”

The stats from the game are overwhelming. The Cats forced the most turnovers in an SEC game this season with 36, leading to 39 points off turnovers.

“Kentucky is a very good basketball team,” Ole Miss head coach Renee Ladner said. “Their team is on a mission. They’re definitely the hardest team to play against because of their relentless pressure and their ability to sub so deep. They wear you down.”

The Cats missed more shots than Ole Miss attempted by having more than 26 turnovers and winning the rebounding battle 45-38.

“We had tremendous energy and commitment from the players,” Mitchell said. “They just stayed after it and kept hustling. Even when we were struggling scoring, I was not upset. They hustled from the opening buzzer to the final one. It was a product of their attitude and commitment in this particular game and it was impressive.”

The Cats were led in scoring by Goss, who scored 19 points, hitting 5-11 from the field and 8-10 from the free throw line.

Three others scored in double-figures for the Cats — sophomore guard Kastine Evans with 12, and sophomore forward Samarie Walker and junior guard A’dia Mathies both with 11.

The Cats take their 10-0 SEC record on the road to play LSU in Baton Rouge Sunday afternoon.

“We’re aren’t overlooking anyone. Anybody can be beat,” Walker said. “We are focusing on winning a championship. That is our ultimate goal.”