Boston helps No. 1 South Carolina hold off Kentucky 59-50

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Aliyah Boston had 14 points and 15 rebounds, including a key free throw and board late that helped top-ranked South Carolina get past Kentucky 59-50 on Thursday night for its 10th consecutive victory.

The Gamecocks (22-1, 10-1 Southeastern Conference) led by as many as 18 points early in the fourth quarter before the Wildcats fought back — with Rhyne Howard scoring 16 of her 21 points in the quarter.

She got Kentucky to within 55-48 with 1:25 remaining on a three-point play. A review of a loose ball gave Kentucky possession, but Howard missed a jumper. Destanni Henderson and Lele Grissett each made one of two free throws to give South Carolina some needed space.

Treasure Hunt’s two free throws with 53 seconds left got Kentucky within 58-50, but Boston made a free throw a couple of seconds later. The junior forward then grabbed a late rebound that helped the Gamecocks run out of the clock and sweep the Wildcats for its 14th series win in 15 meetings.

Kentucky (9-11, 2-8) dropped its fourth consecutive game and eighth of nine overall.

Boston again thrived on both ends, posting her 17th double-double in 18 games. South Carolina outshot Kentucky just 39% to 36% but controlled boards 46-35.

BIG PICTURE

South Carolina: The Gamecocks’ rebounding created a lot of offensive opportunities, sometimes third chances that they converted. Those baskets offset a rough second-quarter drought and a handful of turnovers that allowed Kentucky to get within seven but no closer.

Kentucky: That the Wildcats struggled for good looks against one of the nation’s top defensive teams was no surprise. They didn’t help themselves with ragged play on both ends and were no match for the Gamecocks on the glass.

UP NEXT

South Carolina: Visits No. 17 Georgia on Sunday.

Kentucky: Visits Alabama on Sunday.