Kentucky Women's Basketball Faces Top-5 Opponent South Carolina

Wildcats host Gamecocks in sold-out Memorial Coliseum matchup

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Kentucky women's basketball team will face off against the third-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks in a highly anticipated matchup at Memorial Coliseum. This will be the fifth regular-season conference game for the Wildcats against an Associated Press Top 5 opponent, a feat not accomplished by a Division I women's team since at least 2001-02 according to UK Athletics. Kentucky has had success against South Carolina in the past, but the Gamecocks have dominated the series in recent years.

Why it matters

This game represents a historic opportunity for the Kentucky women's basketball team to take on one of the top programs in the country. A win over the highly ranked Gamecocks would be a major boost for the Wildcats and could propel them to new heights this season. The game also marks the final home appearance for several Kentucky seniors, adding to the significance of the matchup.

The details

Kentucky has already faced off against four other Top 5 opponents this season, defeating LSU and Oklahoma when they were both ranked No. 5, while narrowly losing to No. 4 Texas and No. 5 Vanderbilt. South Carolina comes into today's game ranked third nationally. The Wildcats last defeated the Gamecocks in the 2022 SEC Tournament championship game, but have not beaten them in Lexington since 2015. Kentucky's Clara Strack had a standout performance against South Carolina last season, becoming the first player since 2017 to record at least 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal against the Gamecocks.

  • The game tips off at Memorial Coliseum today, March 1, 2026.
  • Memorial Coliseum doors will open at 12:45 PM with a Senior Day poster giveaway.
  • The Senior Day ceremony will start at 1:39 PM.
  • Clara Strack will be recognized at 1:54 PM for setting a new single-season blocks record for the second straight year.

The players

Kenny Brooks

The head coach of the Kentucky women's basketball team.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

Clara Strack

A Kentucky player who had a standout performance against South Carolina last season, becoming the first player since 2017 to record at least 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal against the Gamecocks.

Amelia Hassett

A Kentucky senior playing in her final home game.

Tonie Morgan

A Kentucky senior playing in her final home game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.