LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Makayla Epps scored 20 points, Evelyn Akhator had 19 points and 13 rebounds, and No. 18 Kentucky held on to beat Washington State 69-67 on Wednesday.

Alexys Swedlund hit her sixth 3-pointer of the game for the Cougars with 1:12 left to tie it at 67-all. Akhator grabbed an offensive rebound on the other end, was fouled and hit both free throws with 42.1 seconds left.

Washington State grabbed two offensive rebounds on its next possession but Nike McClure missed two free throws with 12.7 seconds left. Maci Morris was immediately fouled on the inbounds play but she also missed two from the stripe.

The Cougars couldn't capitalize as Swedlund's shot at the buzzer went wide.

Epps was 7 of 17 from the field and Akhator hit 9 of 12 free throws for Kentucky (9-3).

The Wildcats made 10 of 14 field-goal attempts in the first quarter and led 26-8. Washington State rallied in the second, closing the half on an 11-0 run to pull to 38-36 and the Cougars used a 9-0 spurt in the third to take a 50-49 lead — their first of the game.

Swedlund set career-highs with six 3-pointers and 20 points for Washington State (5-6). Freshman Chanelle Molina added a season-best 17 points.

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