Despite a game-high 20 points from senior guard Samantha Mahoney, the UK women’s basketball team fell to Michigan 63-59 on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Cats (4-5) hung with the Wolverines (5-3) throughout the game before Michigan pulled away in the final minutes of the second half. With the score tied at 57-57, Michigan forward Stephany Skrba nailed a pair of free throws to take the lead with 1:01 left in the game.

Michigan stole the ball on UK’s ensuing possession and then knocked down a jumper with 22 seconds left. UK senior center Sarah Elliott pulled the Cats within two points at 61-59 with a basket, but the Wolverines iced the game with two free throws down the stretch.

The Wolverines shot 50 percent from the field and capitalized throughout the game on UK’s 17 turnovers. Mahoney carried the Cats on 8-of-15 shooting in her home state, but it was not enough as UK dropped its fifth game of the season.

“This was really disappointing for us,” head coach Matthew Mitchell said. “Michigan spreads the floor well and we weren’t able to find a way to win those one-on-one battles. Our team doesn’t seem to perform well in uncomfortable situations, and we are letting some opportunities get away from us. We need to bear down and see if we can get headed in the right direction.”

The Cats return to action on Dec. 20 when they host intrastate rival Louisville at 7 p.m.

Compiled from UK Athletics