Randle finished with 21 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, marking her sixth double-double of the season. She also added two steals and one assist for Missouri (13-15, 2-11 SEC). Sophomore guard Grace Slaughter contributed 18 points and five rebounds in the loss.
The Tigers started strong, with Slaughter scoring the first six points for Missouri. The team also dominated on the boards early, out-rebounding Kentucky 13-6 in the first quarter. An offensive rebound from Randle led to a quick put-back, giving the Tigers their first lead of the game.
A layup from Randle tied the game at 18-18, followed by a defensive stop from junior guard Ashton Judd to close the first quarter.
Randle added another layup early in the second quarter, reaching 10 points and giving Missouri a slight two-point lead. The game remained close, with both teams exchanging baskets. After Kentucky regained the lead, Slaughter hit two consecutive three-pointers, and Judd followed with another three to put Missouri ahead 31-27.
The Tigers led 34-31 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Judd hit another three-pointer to give Missouri an early advantage. After several lead changes, Kentucky pulled ahead, but sophomore guard Abbey Schreacke answered with a three-pointer to tie the game at 42-42. Slaughter then made a deep three-pointer, shooting 60 percent from beyond the arc in the game, to keep the Tigers within reach. Missouri trailed by seven points heading into the final quarter.
The Tigers started the fourth quarter strong, with back-to-back layups from Randle and sophomore forward Hannah Linthacum to cut the deficit to six points. Averi Kroenke led Missouri with seven points in the final frame, including a contested three-pointer that brought the Tigers within two points with under three minutes remaining.
However, Kentucky sealed the win with a six-point scoring run in the last two minutes.
Despite the loss, Missouri dominated the rebounding battle, out-rebounding Kentucky 39-27 and scoring 14 second-chance points to the Wildcats’ four. The game was tightly contested, with 12 lead changes and 10 ties throughout the match.
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