JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Makayla Epps and Janee Thompson scored 17 points apiece and No. 13 Kentucky held off LSU 79-71 on Thursday to advance in the women's SEC tournament.

After trailing by 12 at the half, LSU came within nine points in the fourth quarter, but couldn't hold on to a comeback. For the fourth time in the 2015-16 season, the Wildcats have had four players with 15 points or more.

Thompson had six assists, while Evelyn Akhator added 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Wildcats.

LSU (10-21) was led by Alexis Hyder with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Rina Hill had 13 points and Shanice Norton added 10.

Kentucky dominated early -- the Wildcats raced out to a 17-5 lead and led 25-14 after one. A pair of free throws by Akhator midway through the second gave Kentucky a 16-point lead. The Wildcats went to the break up 41-29.

Thompson's jumper at the end of the third made it 58-42. LSU outscored the Wildcats 29-21 in the fourth, but got no closer than the final score.

Kentucky (22-6), the fifth seed in the conference, will face fourth-seeded and No. 25-ranked Florida in the quarterfinals on Friday.