No. 9 seed Kentucky women’s basketball (22-9, 8-8 SEC) opened up the 2026 SEC Tournament with a dominant 94-64 first-round victory over No. 16 seed Arkansas (12-20, 1-15 SEC).

It was an all-around effort that allowed Kentucky to pick up a win that was historic on several fronts.

The 30-point win is the largest SEC Tournament win in program history, it’s also the Cats largest win over a conference opponent this season.

This became the first time Kentucky has beaten an opponent by 20 points or more in both the regular season and SEC Tournament, after a 93-73 victory over Arkansas on Feb. 1, 2026.

Kentucky outrebounded Arkansas 52-27, that’s the Cats largest rebounding edge in an SEC Tournament game since at least 2002-03.

Asia Boone hit her second 3-pointer five minutes into the first quarter. This 3-pointer broke Rhyne Howard’s single-season 3-pointers record of 84, which was set in the 2019-20 season.

In the fourth quarter, Amelia Hassett tied her career-high with her sixth three of the game. This was her 86th of the season, making her the new single-season 3-pointers record holder.

“If you’re open, step up, be confident and shoot it. So I just give props to my teammates for finding me when I’m open,” Hassett said.

Boone hit her third three of the game two minutes later. The two ended the game tied for first place with 86 3-pointers each.

“It was a cool little story going on on the bench, where Asia Boone broke the record, Rhyne Howard’s record of most 3-pointers in a single season. She got in foul trouble, and then Mille (Hassett) broke it,” Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks said. “Then Asia came back in and retied the record again.”

Boone finished with 10 points while Hassett scored 18, the pair combined for nine of the Wildcats 10 3-pointers made in the game.

“Their ability to hit threes really opens up everything for our offense,” Jordan Obi said. “When they’re on, we’re all on.”

Kentucky had six players score 10 points or more for the second time this season, three of which had double-doubles.

Clara Strack led Kentucky with 20 points and 13 rebounds, it was her 14th double-double this season and the 30th of her career. She also had three blocks, extending her single-season program record to 80 blocks.

Obi finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, her fourth double-double of the season and 15th game with 10-plus points.

“The whole group is happy for her, because we know how much she’s put into it and sacrificed,” Brooks said. “When she’s playing like that, we’re a really hard team to beat.”

Tonie Morgan scored 14 points and dished out 10 assists for her seventh double-double of the season. This was Morgan’s 10th game with at least 10 assists, which leads the country.

Morgan also became the second SEC player ever to record 400 points and 250 assists in a single season.

This was the first time since Nov. 18, 2015, that Kentucky had three players record a double-double in one game.

Teonni Key was the other Wildcat to finish in double-digit scoring, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds on five for five shooting.

This dominant performance should serve as an excellent bounce-back game after the Wildcats four-point home loss to South Carolina three days prior. Kentucky will need a strong showing in the conference tournament to host NCAA Tournament games, the Cats could hardly ask for a better start.

“Really proud of our kids, celebrate it for about 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and then we’ll turn the page and get ready for Georgia tomorrow,” Brooks said.

Kentucky will look to avenge its five point loss from earlier this season in the second round of the SEC Tournament, taking on the eight-seeded Georgia Bulldogs.

The game is scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 5, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, with tip off set for 11 a.m. ET. The Wildcats will look to avenge their five point loss to Georgia at home earlier this season.