(2-28-02)

     Basketball

  • UK Women Upset Mississippi State in SEC Tournament    The Wildcats will face fourth seed LSU on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. ET in Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center. The game will be televised live on Fox Sports Net South.
  • Fitch takes blame for loss    While others searched for answers about what went wrong for Kentucky here, Gerald Fitch knew the answer.
  • Duo reinstated, but don't play    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Erik Daniels knew it was going to be a tough call home.    The University of Kentucky sophomore forward said he knew his mom would be mad when he told her he was caught trying to use a fake ID to get into a Lexington bar along with teammate Gerald Fitch last Friday morning.
  • 'Cats beaten, battered    Commodores deal blow to UK    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    It was a group of University of Kentucky basketball players left bruised and battered, both physically and emotionally, from a loss to Vanderbilt on Wednesday night. But they are still Wildcats who believe they haven't used all of their nine lives yet.
  • Lights-out shooting means lights out, UK    By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST
    It was as if each scraped the Nashville skyline, then dropped wondrously through the net. Brendan Plavich shot them almost as soon as he got them, as if in one continuous motion, one after the other.
  • Commodores shoot down Cats    UK's 18-game winning streak vs. Vanderbilt comes to end    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     The University of Kentucky now needs help if it hopes to claim at least a share of the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title.
  • Cats play flat in Music City    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Vanderbilt ended its historic streak of futility against Kentucky last night. But despite an Enron-sized crash of its twin pillars of strength (defense and rebounding), UK did not lose its chances at a Southeastern Conference Tournament bye while losing to Vandy, 86-73
  • No. 11 Cats stumble at Vandy    Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings finally got the Kentucky Wildcats off his back.
  • Vandy Ends Skid Against Kentucky    Reserve Brendan Plavich scored all but two of his 20 points on 3-pointers and Vanderbilt beat No. 11 Kentucky 86-73 Wednesday night to snap an 18-game losing streak to the Wildcats.
  • Georgia clinches SEC Tournament bye    HERALD-LEADER WIRE REPORTS    Rashad Wright made a tying three-pointer with 5.4 seconds left to get Georgia to overtime, then Steve Thomas scored six points to give the 16th-ranked Bulldogs an 82-75 victory at home over South Carolina last night.
  • Bogans confident Cats will sweep Gators    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Although he played meekly in the 86-73 loss to Vanderbilt last night, Kentucky guard Keith Bogans made a bold statement afterward. 
  • Fanning finds a home at Mississippi St. uncovering gems at Miss. State    By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Sharon Fanning believes in providence. She's had to. It sustains her. When the current Mississippi State women's basketball coach was fired as Kentucky coach after the 1994-95 season, she had her doubts about the future.

          Baseball

(2-27-02)

     Basketball

  • No. 11 Wildcats Downed By Vanderbilt, 86-73    Reserve Brendan Plavich scored all but two of his 20 points on 3-pointers and Vanderbilt beat No. 11 Kentucky 86-73 Wednesday night to snap an 18-game losing streak to the Wildcats. Kentucky (19-8, 9-6 Southeastern Conference) is the only visiting team with a winning record in Memorial Gym. Vanderbilt (16-12, 6-9) had not beaten Kentucky since 1993, a stretch of eight straight home losses. The Wildcats came in ready to clinch their 12th consecutive 20-win season and keep alive their chances for at least a share of the SEC's Eastern Division title..
  • Smith goes soft on UK players    When Kentucky meets Vanderbilt tonight in Nashville, Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels will be sitting on the Wildcat bench, eager to hear their names called by head coach Tubby Smith.  They should be sitting in their rooms at Wildcat Lodge, watching their teammates, thinking about the mistake they made last week by trying to use fake IDs to enter a Lexington night club.
  • UK's Fitch, Daniels reinstated for Vanderbilt game    Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were reinstated to the Kentucky basketball team Tuesday, UK head coach Tubby Smith announced.
  • Fitch, Daniels back on roster for Vanderbilt    By Jerry Tipton Herald-Leader staff writer    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith has re-instated Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels, each remorseful and apologetic, to the active roster.
  • Tubbys walk doesnt match the tough talk    John Clay Herald-Leader Sports columnist    For a coach who continually preaches the need for toughness, Tubby Smith came up soft yesterday
  • Hayes patience and play give freshman the look of a leader    By Jerry Tipton Herald-leader staff writer    Besides bringing toughness and much-needed dependability to Kentucky this season, freshman Chuck Hayes also is making a prophet of one of his teachers.
  • UK's Fitch, Daniels reinstated    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal    Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels will be back in University of Kentucky basketball uniforms for tonight's Southeastern Conference game at Vanderbilt. Whether either will play is not known
  • Team supports Tubby lifting suspensions    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     University of Kentucky senior point guard and co-captain J.P. Blevins said he knows what many basketball fans think of head coach Tubby Smith's decision on Tuesday to reinstate sophomore players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels from suspension so quickly.
  • Patience pays off for Hayes    Playing time on rise for freshman     By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    There was a time earlier this season when University of Kentucky freshman forward Chuck Hayes was admittedly frustrated and despondent over his lack of playing time, but all it took was a few phone calls home and some advice from assistant coach Reggie Hanson to make Hayes understand that his time would come.
  • UK's Fitch, Daniel reinstated for Vandy game    University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith lifted the suspensions of sophomores Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels on Tuesday, only four days after the two tried to get into a Lexington nightclub using fake IDs.
  • Cats Prepare For SEC Tournament    The Kentucky women's basketball team is preparing to square off with No. 5-seed Mississippi State in Thursday's first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. ET at the Gaylord Entertainment Center and will be carried live on Fox Sports Net South and Comcast Sports Southeast. WLXG Sports Radio 1300 with Chris Cross will also carry the game live

(2-26-02)

     Basketball
  • Fitch, Daniels reinstated by Tubby Smith    UK sophomores serve one game suspension  WHAS11 Sports    University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith reinstated sophomores Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels, five days after they got busted using fake identifications at a Lexington nightclub.
  • Helm Named Second Team All-SEC    University of Kentucky sophomore Selia "SeSe" Helm was named to the All-Southeastern Conference second team, announced by the league office today.
  • Wildcats Face Vanderbilt in Final Road Trip    Kentucky travels to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt in the Cats' final road trip of the regular season. The Wildcats are looking to sweep the regular-season series with the Commodores for the ninth consecutive season. UK is coming off a 71-58 victory over Arkansas which saw five players score in double figures. VU got a big road win on Saturday at Tennessee, 67-62, to snap a four-game losing streak
  • This memo is heavy on funds in the sun    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    TO: President, University of Kentucky FROM: Senior administrators, UK Athletics Association RE: Fund-raising priorities for coming year
  • Suspended Cats might be back Wednesday     After re-emphasizing that he would not "tolerate guys not doing what they are supposed to do," Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said Monday said there was a chance both Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels could be reinstated to the team in time for Wednesday's game at Vanderbilt.
  • UK makes final push for bye    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Despite its myriad problems, the University of Kentucky basketball team could claim a first-round bye for next week's Southeastern Conference Tournament in Atlanta.
  • Prince SEC player of the week    Post staff report    University of Kentucky senior Tayshaun Prince, the reigning Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference, captured the league's Player of the Week honor for the second time this season and the fifth time in his career, the conference announced Monday.
  • Tubby set to address suspensions today    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith said Monday night that he will announce today about the future playing status of suspended sophomore players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels.
  • Embattled Wildcats still in position for SEC title    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Despite all the adversity it has faced this season, the University of Kentucky basketball team is still in position to finish either first in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division or at least earn a first-round bye in next week's SEC Tournament depending on how it fares in its last two regular-season games.
  • Three's a crowd in SEC East    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    UK at Vanderbilt When: 8 p.m. Records: UK 19-7, 9-5 SEC; Vanderbilt 15-12, 5-9 TV: Channel 27 Radio: WLAP-AM 630; WBUL-FM 98.1 With three teams contending for two first-round byes, something has to give in this final week of the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division race.
  • Suspensions could be lifted by Vandy game    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    As he ponders the indefinite suspensions of Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels, Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith did not rule out a return for the game at Vanderbilt on Wednesday.

       Baseball
  • 700!!!    Coach Keith Madison earned his 700th victory Monday night with a 3-1 win over No. 17 Texas A&M in the Continental Express Aggie Baseball Classic in College Station, Texas. Madison, now in his 24th season at the helm of the Wildcats (4-5), owns an overall record of 700-571-5 (.551), all at the University of Kentucky
  • Cats blow another late lead, fall to Cougars    For the second straight day, Coach Keith Madison had a good shot at his 700th victory. And once again, the University of Kentucky baseball team failed to deliver, this time blowing a two-run lead in the seventh inning en route to a 9-8 loss to Washington State in College Station, Texas.

(2-25-02)

     Basketball
  • Prince Earns SEC Player of the Week Honors    Kentucky senior Tayshaun Prince, the reigning Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference, captured the league's Player of the Week honor for the second time this season, the fifth time in his career, the conference announced Monday
  • Troubled times bring unity to UK players    With this Kentucky basketball season adding another off-court chapter, Tubby Smith has his back against the wall.    And so does his team.
  • Bowie- Bogans can't look ahead    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Former University of Kentucky basketball great Sam Bowie had his No. 31 retired prior to Saturday's 71-58 Wildcat win over Arkansas.
  • Barbour not affected by UK woes    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor     Now that he's a future University of Kentucky Wildcat, Antwain Barbour watches his future team on television as often as he can.
  • UK To Face Mississippi State in First Round of SEC Tournament    The University of Kentucky women's basketball team (8-19, 1-13 Southeastern Conference) will face Mississippi State (18-10, 8-6 SEC) in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday, Feb. 28 in Nashville, Tenn. Game-time is slated for 7 p.m. ET at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.
  • Lady Vols start slow, whip UK    By Elizabeth A. Davis, ASSOCIATED PRESS    After fourth-ranked Tennessee fought for a comfortable lead over Kentucky, Lady Vols fans wanted more. On Senior Day, the fans begged for senior Michelle Snow to cap the regular-season finale yesterday with her first dunk at home. They will have to wait longer.
  • UK finds benefit to thinner rotation    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     There may have been something positive from Friday's indefinite suspensions of University of Kentucky sophomore basketball players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels that paid an immediate dividend Saturday: a shorter rotation that made for better on-court chemistry.

       Baseball
  • Bat Cats Fall 9-8 in Extra Innings to Washington State in Aggie Classic    The University of Kentucky baseball team took a two-run lead into the bottom of the seventh inning but squandered its chances to earn Coach Keith Madison his 700th victory for the second day in a row.
  • Pepperdine Scores Eight in Ninth to Down Kentucky    The University of Kentucky baseball team took a seven-run lead into the ninth inning but squandered its chances to earn Coach Keith Madison his 700th victory as Pepperdine put eight across the plate to defeat the Wildcats (3-4), 18-17, in the Continental Express Aggie Baseball Classic in College Station, Texas Sunday.
  • Cats waste 7-run lead in loss to Pepperdine    The University of Kentucky baseball team took a seven-run lead into the ninth inning but squandered its chances to earn Coach Keith Madison his 700th victory as Pepperdine scored eight to defeat the Wildcats 18-17 yesterday in the Continental Express Aggie Baseball Classic in College Station, Texas.

(2-24-02)

     Basketball
  • Wildcats Fall To No. 4 Tennessee, 89-64     Kara Lawson scored 18 points and reserve Brittany Jackson added 11 Sunday as No. 4 Tennessee withstood a tough first half to beat Kentucky 89-64. The Wildcats (8-19, 1-13 Southeastern Conference) led most of the first half after a strong start before the Lady Vols (24-3, 13-1) took over in the second half
  • It's 40 minutes of swell    Prince, Cats ignore turmoil for 71-58 win over Hogs     By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal    If practice makes perfect, that might explain the workmanlike performance the University of Kentucky basketball team turned in yesterday at Rupp Arena.
  • Smith must be a disciplinarian    Questions about coaching strategy are routine for any big-time college coach.
  • Inside game lifts Bogans    Not long ago a 10-point game might have been a disappointing effort for Keith Bogans.
  • Cats handle Hogs, 71-58    Tayshaun Prince had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead five scorers in double figures as No. 12 Kentucky beat Arkansas 71-58 Saturday.
  • Wildcats pulled together and held off the Razorbacks    University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith wasn't sure how his team would respond to the indefinite suspensions of two players less than 24 hours before an important game against Arkansas.
  • Team Turmoil looking a lot like Team Teflon    John Clay, Herald-Leader Sports columnist     Some weeks, little rises above the mundane and methodical, when we here in the sports journalism biz have to search far and wide for an interesting story.
  • Leaner Cats handle Hogs    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER   No Fitch. No Daniels. No problem. Not yesterday in Rupp Arena when Kentucky looked streamlined -- rather than shorthanded -- in beating Arkansas 71-58.
  • Poor Pre-Draft doesn't explain Bogans' year    HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Notable players who entered the NBA Draft and later withdrew, and how they fared in the season after they returned: 1995 draft Player, school 1994-95 1995-96
  • Carruth straightens up, and his threes fly right    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    Freshman sharpshooter Rashaad Carruth broke out of a prolonged shooting slump yesterday. He credited extra pre-game shooting and better mechanics.

(2-23-02)

  • UK asked boosters to fund Newton home in Bahamas    By Tom Lasseter and Linda B. Blackford, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    In the months before former University of Kentucky Athletics Director C.M. Newton's retirement, top UK sports officials coordinated an effort with some of the program's biggest boosters to gather a goodbye gift: about $130,000 to buy a vacation house in the Bahamas.

     Basketball
  • No. 12 Kentucky Clobbers Arkansas, 71-58    Tayshaun Prince had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead five scorers in double figures as No. 12 Kentucky beat Arkansas 71-58 Saturday. Marquis Estill had 12 points and Chuck Hayes, Keith Bogans and Rashaad Carruth each added 10 as the Wildcats (19-7, 9-5 Southeastern Conference) won for the fourth time in five games
  • Resilient Cats win again, stomping Razorbacks    Associated Press    Kentucky coach Tubby Smith wasnt sure how his team would respond to the indefinite suspensions of two players less than 24 hours before an important game against Arkansas.
  • Balanced Kentucky dumps Arkansas    SportsLine.com wire reports    Kentucky coach Tubby Smith wasn't sure how his team would respond to the indefinite suspensions of two players less than 24 hours before an important game against Arkansas.   As it turned out, there was no reason for concern as the 12th-ranked Wildcats pulled together and held off the Razorbacks 71-58 on Saturday.
  • Wildcats suspend Fitch, Daniels in fake-ID case    By Jerry Tipton and Ty Tagami, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    Given what had already happened this trouble-filled season, University of Kentucky star Tayshaun Prince could not believe two players were suspended yesterday.
  • Fitch, Daniels suspended    UK players cited for trying to use fake IDs at nightclub    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal    More turmoil rocked the University of Kentucky men's basketball program yesterday when starting guard Gerald Fitch and reserve forward Erik Daniels were suspended from the team indefinitely for breaking curfew and using fake identification cards to attempt to enter a Lexington nightclub.
  • Smith says Cats must concentrate on Arkansas    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Tayshaun Prince answered questions about the University of Kentucky's latest offthe-court distraction for 10 minutes yesterday before the senior co-captain broke into a big smile.

       Baseball

  • UK Baseball Splits at Continental Express Aggie Classic    The University of Kentucky baseball team split in its double header at the Continental Express Aggie Baseball Classic in College Station, Texas Saturday. The Wildcats (3-3) defeated Pepperdine, 5-4, in their first game and suffered a 7-3 extra-inning setback to Washington State to end second-round play at Texas A&M's C.E "Pat" Olsen Field.

(2-22-02)

     Basketball

  • Cats Take On No. 4 Tennessee In Regular Season Finale    The University of Kentucky women's basketball team will face its fifth straight nationally ranked opponent when it travels to Knoxville, Tenn., on Sunday, Feb. 24 to take on No. 4 Tennessee at Thompson Boling Arena. Game time is 3 p.m. ET and will be carried live on WLXG-AM Sports Radio 1300 with Chris Cross.
  • Kentucky's Fitch, Daniels suspended indefinitely for fake IDs    SportsLine.com wire reports     Kentucky sophomores Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were suspended indefinitely Friday after they were charged with using fake driver's licenses to try to get into a nightclub
  • Two Kentucky players suspended after fake ID citations     Kentucky basketball players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were cited early Friday for trying to use fake South Carolina driver's licenses to get into a local nightclub.
  • Fitch, Daniels arrested with fake IDs, suspended from team    Kentucky basketball players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were cited early today for trying to use fake South Carolina driver's licenses to get into a local nightclub.
  • Fitch, Daniels suspended for using fake IDs    The Associated Press Kentucky's embattled basketball team took another major hit Friday with the suspension of two players for using fake South Carolina driver's licenses to try to get into a local nightclub.
  • UK's Fitch, Daniels suspended indefinitely     "We've had so many distractions this year, and this is one you just hate to see," coach Tubby Smith said.
  • Fitch, Daniels Suspended Indefinitely For Use Of Fake IDs    Kentucky sophomores Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were suspended indefinitely Friday after they were charged with using fake driver's licenses to try to get into a nightclub
  • WLEX 18 Team Coverage: Tubby's Reaction    You can only imagine head coach Tubby Smith's reaction to the news of Gerald Fitch's and Erik Daniels' legal problems.
  • Controversy now routine for Smith, UK    Another game, another controversy.
  • UK's Hayes likes his role on defense    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    With Kentucky clinging to a 62-59 lead late Tuesday night against Tennessee, the defensive assignment on keeping high-scoring Volunteer Vincent Yarbrough from delivering a potential game-tying shot fell on the shoulders of freshman Chuck Hayes.
  • Wildcats aiming for needed win    Forget the distractions and player controversies. Kentucky coach Tubby Smith says there is another key reason why his team has been struggling recently.
  • Wildcats Face Razorbacks in Final Western-Division Battle    Kentucky plays host to Arkansas in its final battle with a Western-division foe this regular season. UK is 3-2 against the West so far this season and is looking to build off a 64-61 come-from-behind win over Tennessee on Tuesday. The Razorbacks snapped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday when they upset No. 5 Alabama, the frontrunner for the SEC regular-season crown, 67-59. Press Conference Quotes
  • No excuse for UK's women to be this bad    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    Of all the underachieving sports programs being run by the University of Kentucky athletics department, none is more perplexing than women's basketball.
  • Vandy makes quick work of Cats    By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    On Senior Night in Memorial Coliseum, there were good vibrations all around. But one team was feeling them a little bit more than the other.
  • Arkansas troubled by season gone sour    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Kentucky-Arkansas used to mean scintillating basketball often ticketed by television for Super Bowl Sunday. Then there's Saturday's game in the once storied series. Kentucky is Team Turmoil, its many distractions and disappointments well chronicled.
  • Bogans expected to start Saturday    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Coach Tubby Smith said Thursday that Keith Bogans will likely stay in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Arkansas, even though Smith benched Bogans for the final 17:57 of the Tennessee games for lack of energy on defense.
  • Chiles' mom says he might transfer    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    A "humiliating" reprimand from Coach Tubby Smith during the Tennessee game has freshman Adam Chiles wondering about his future with Kentucky.
  • Kentucky Wildcats Report    By Rusty Hampton, Courier Journal    Chiles not leaving UK, yet    The mother of University of Kentucky freshman guard Adam Chiles said her son hasn't decided to transfer but will try to meet with coach Tubby Smith at the end of the season.
  • Freshman may leave Kentucky    Chiles and coach clashed Tuesday    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Although there's been speculation that University of Kentucky freshman point guard Adam Chiles will transfer since his confrontation with head coach Tubby Smith during Tuesday's game against Tennessee, Chiles' father said Thursday his son will wait until the end of the season before even considering a transfer.

       Baseball

  • Bat Cats Fall 4-0 to No. 20 Texas A&M in Aggie Baseball Classic    Joseph Blanton struck out a career-high 12 batters but the University of Kentucky baseball team could not manufacture any runs to support its junior right-hander, falling to No. 20 Texas A&M, 4-0, in the first day of the Continental Express Aggie Baseball Classic at A&M's C.E. "Pat" Olsen Field Friday night

(2-21-02)

     Basketball

  • 'Cats Fall To No. 6 Vanderbilt, 73-57    Chantelle Anderson scored 28 points, and Zuzi Klimesova had 16 points and 10 rebounds as No. 6 Vanderbilt beat Kentucky 73-57 Thursday night. Rita Adams and Shambrica Jones had 12 points each, and SeSe Helm added 11 to lead the Wildcats (8-18, 1-12).
  • Parker learns patience with injury    The physical pain is bearable. The mental strain is not.
  • Hayes provides spark for new, fired up Cats    By Jerry Tipton / HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    Tennessee's Vincent Yarbrough had already scored 27 points and tied the Rupp Arena record for a Kentucky opponent with seven three-pointers
  • UK's 'jewel' closes shop at Memorial   By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    In a courtyard in a Dayton, Ohio, neighborhood, Kentucky senior LaTonya McDole had her first bout with basketball fortitude. She was just 8 years old, with a basketball under her arm.
  • Comeback Cats at it again    Just when you're on the verge of labeling this University of Kentucky basketball team "The Forgettables'' you find that there is a pulse beating in this group after all.

       Baseball

(2-20-02)

     Basketball
  • UK Plays Host To No. 6 Vanderbilt on Senior Night    The University of Kentucky women's basketball team will play host to No. 6 Vanderbilt on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Coliseum and will bid farewell to seniors LaTonya McDole and Niecee Patterson in pre-game "Senior Night" ceremonies.
  • Second-half rally sends Cats past Vols     Many times this season, Kentucky has dominated an opponent in the first half, only to wilt in the last 20 minutes.
  • Hayes ends Yarbrough's heroics     By JILL ERWIN, The Advocate Messenger Staff Writer   In a game that meant so much to the two teams involved, the key possession came down to two friends going one-on-one. And Chuck Hayes wasn't going to let Vincent Yarbrough beat his Kentucky team.
  • Camara leads Cats comeback win over Vols    Associated Press    Jules Camara scored a career-high 17 points and Tayshaun Prince had 15 as No. 12 Kentucky rallied for a 64-61 victory over Tennessee on Tuesday night.
  • It's a rocky one, but Wildcats win it 64-61    The University of Kentucky men's basketball team rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat Tennessee 64-61 at Rupp Arena last night, but it remains to be seen whether Team Turmoil can fulfill the promise of this season.
  • UK shows heart in comeback    Rich Suwanski, Messenger-Inquirer    It's no longer cool to be a Kentucky basketball player. It's going to take equal parts of heart, soul and sweat from now on.
  • Press comes to 'Cats' rescue    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The University of Kentucky certainly found itself in the zone in the second half as it rallied to beat Tennessee on Tuesday night, 64-61, in Rupp Arena.
  • Camara leads UK with 17 points    With its stars misfiring from all over the court, No. 12 Kentucky turned to an unlikely offensive source against Tennessee.
  • Cats climb to rocky top     By Jerry Tipton / HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    If Sunday's four-hour meeting did not bring unity to Kentucky, perhaps last night's pulsating 64-61 victory over Tennessee might. The game typified Kentucky's long, hard struggle of a season. The persistent if not efficient Cats did not lead in the first 38 minutes. Often, they looked as disjointed as ever, maybe more so in falling behind by 16 points in the first half.
  • Kentucky salvages needed win    Wildcats show they still have problems    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    It was a night in which the season for the University of Kentucky basketball team almost unraveled, but in the end it may provide the impetus it needs to start heading in the right direction with the postseason just two weeks away.
  • Raucous Rupp carries Wildcats    By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    They were struggling with their own demons. Missing shot after shot after shot. Being battered on the boards. Bickering among themselves. Coaches screaming. Players snapping.
  • Cincinnati cruises past UK women    By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Kentucky Coach Bernadette Mattox said she thinks she has all of the ingredients, but they haven't come together yet. No. 25 Cincinnati made a meal out of UK in the first half and held the Cats in check in the second to earn a convincing 73-57 win.
  • King leads Bearcats past Wildcats 73-57    From Associated Press and Special Dispatches     Valerie King scored 16 points to lead the No. 25-ranked Cincinnati women's basketball team to a 73-57 win over the visiting University of Kentucky last night.

(2-19-02)

     Basketball

  • No. 12 Kentucky Rallies Past Tennessee, 64-61    Jules Camara scored a career-high 17 points and Tayshaun Prince had 15 as No. 12 Kentucky rallied for a 64-61 victory over Tennessee on Tuesday night. Cliff Hawkins added 11 points and Chuck Hayes had 10 for the Wildcats (18-7, 8-5 Southeastern Conference), who lost 76-74 in overtime at Tennessee on Feb. 6. Vincent Yarbrough was 7-of-12 from 3-point range and finished with 27 points to lead Tennessee (13-13, 6-7), which has lost three of its last four games
  • 'Cats Lose To No. 25 Cincinnati, 73-57    Valerie King shook off a slow start to score 16 points and lead No. 25 Cincinnati to a 73-57 victory over Kentucky on Tuesday night. Kentucky led 9-8 with 13:40 left in the first half, but K.B. Sharp scored seven points in a 29-14 run for the Bearcats, who led the rest of the way. SeSe Helm led Kentucky with 26 points and 10 rebounds
  • Vols will test Fitch-less Cats    By LARRY VAUGHT, The Advocate Messenger Sports Editor    The last time Kentucky and Tennessee played, Gerald Fitch hit two 3-pointers in the final 30 seconds of regulation play to send the game into overtime.
  • Hayes: Cats need to act like grown men    VAUGHT'S VIEWS    By LARRY VAUGHT, The Advocate Messenger Sports Editor    Want to know how bad things have gotten on the University of Kentucky basketball team?
  • Wildcats Seek Revenge vs. Volunteers    Press Conference Quotes    Kentucky returns home for back-to-back home games for the first time since mid-December when it plays host to Tennessee and Arkansas this week. The Wildcats meet the Vols for the second time in 13 days looking to avenge a 76-74 overtime loss in Knoxville on Feb. 6.
  • Wildcats looking to speed up the offense    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     If the University of Kentucky basketball team can't shoot its way into scoring more points, head coach Tubby Smith is hoping perhaps it can run itself into some.
  • Distractions, Vols stand in UK's way    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     With frustration setting in and March fast approaching, the University of Kentucky basketball team decided on Sunday it was time to clear the air with each other in hopes of turning things around in time to achieve their goals for this season.
  • Tubby must bring Cats' fight to floor   By John Clay,HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    You can't say this Kentucky team lacks fighters. Problem is, at a time when the Cats are fighting for their basketball lives, they seem more interested in fighting among themselves.
  • Cats air problems in 4-hour huddle    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    A meeting is the universal sign of a troubled team. Kentucky met for four hours Sunday. Draw your own conclusions. UK players went into the marathon meeting bogged down by a season filled with distraction and questioning their unity. A scuffle between teammates Gerald Fitch and Cory Sears during the trip home from Georgia Saturday put a timely hook on those issues.
  • UK hoping that 4-hour meeting cleared the air    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Team Turmoil again hit turbulence over the weekend, but those involved say it's not too late for the University of Kentucky to salvage this basketball season.
  • Tennessee likes what it sees from Haislip    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    While Kentucky staggers, Tennessee's Marcus Haislip flies toward the finish line. Haislip, a sophomore center/forward, hit the game-winning shot in UT's 76-74 overtime victory over UK two weeks ago. In that game, he had 24 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.
  • TOIL AND TROUBLE    1: Jason Parker tears an ACL in mid-summer. 2. Parker re-tears an ACL at Midnight Madness. 3. Rashaad Carruth severely sprains ankle before first pre-season exhibition
  • Childhood work pays off for UK freshman    By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    When the Potts family sits down to play Monopoly, it's serious business. Most things are serious in the Potts family. They are an intense group    .

       Baseball

  • Galvin learning on the mound at UK    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    In many ways, Mark Galvin was starting over again at the University of Kentucky last season.

(2-18-02)

     Basketball

  • Wildcats Seek Revenge vs. Volunteers    Kentucky returns home for back-to-back home games for the first time since mid-December when it plays host to Tennessee and Arkansas this week. The Wildcats meet the Vols for the second time in 13 days looking to avenge a 76-74 overtime loss in Knoxville on Feb. 6.
  • Smith discusses fighting incident on team plane    Associated Press    With only two weeks remaining in the regular season, Kentucky coach Tubby Smith is fed up with the unexpected distractions that continue to plague his erratic team.
  • Smith suspends Fitch and Sears    Kentucky sophomore guards Gerald Fitch and Cory Sears were suspended Sunday by coach Tubby Smith and will not play Tuesday against Tennessee
  • Fitch-Sears 'scuffle' earns suspensions     Kentucky's problem-filled basketball season got more complicated yesterday when Coach Tubby Smith announced the suspensions of Gerald Fitch and Cory Sears for the Tennessee game Tuesday.
  • Two Cats suspended for Tennessee game    Station reports players fought on team plane    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal    The University of Kentucky men's basketball team will be without starting guard Gerald Fitch tomorrow when it plays Tennessee in a Southeastern Conference game in Rupp Arena.
  • UK teammate fight raws suspensions    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter ATHENS, Ga. - For a basketball team as plagued by shooting and offensive problems as the University of Kentucky is right now the last thing it needs is to be without its most consistent shooter of late.
  • Fitch, Sears suspended for Tennessee game    Kentucky sophomore guards Gerald Fitch and Cory Sears were suspended and will not play in Tuesday's game against Tennessee for "behavior detrimental to the team," Coach Tubby Smith said in a statement Sunday.
  • Flap over flagrant-foul suspension puts charge into Georgia    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Whether or not it was someone from the University of Kentucky who helped get Georgia sophomore forward Chris Daniels suspended for the first half of Saturday's game, and whether or not it was intentional, it gave the sagging Bulldogs a source of extra motivation.
  • UK Women Take On No. 25 Cincinnati In the Queen City    The University of Kentucky women's basketball team will take a break from Southeastern Conference action when it faces Conference-USA opponent, Cincinnati, on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. ET in the Shoemaker Center. The game will be carried live on WLXG-AM Sports Radio 1300 with Chris Cross

(2-17-02)

     Basketball

  • Fitch, Sears suspended for Tennessee game    Kentucky sophomore guards Gerald Fitch and Cory Sears were suspended and will not play Tuesday against Tennessee for ``behavior detrimental to the team,'' Coach Tubby Smith said in a statement Sunday.
  • Fitch, Sears Suspended    University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith announced Sunday that he has suspended Gerald Fitch and Cory Sears for "behavior detrimental to the team." The two sophomores will not participate in the Wildcats' next game against Tennessee in Lexington on Tuesday
  • Bulldogs suspend Cats, 78-69    Exactly who said what to whom might forever remain muddled in the minds of those involved, but this much was evident yesterday in regards to Videogate: The University of Kentucky, not Georgia, paid a bigger price
  • Whom to believe in tale of the tape?     Let's go to the videotape. OK, so let's not. Unless, of course, someone, somewhere -- and we're not naming names -- can convince someone in the Southeastern Conference office that Georgia's 78-69 victory over visiting Kentucky yesterday needs to be reversed, or was achieved under false pretenses.
  • Williams, Hayes leads Georgia past Kentucky     Ezra Williams was determined not to have Georgia lose three games in a row
  • WHAT WENT WRONG?    Kentucky made only 25 of 70 shots from the field (35.7 percent) and hit just six of 28 three-point attempts (21.4 percent). Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans were a combined 2-for-13 from three-point range
  • Too much clang time    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Clank, clank clank went the soundtrack accompanying Kentucky's fall to third place in the Southeastern Confernce Eastern Division yesterday.
  • SEC parity suggests 'wild' NCAA tourney    HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER     Mr. Positive rejoices as Southeastern Conference teams knock each other off this season. Competitive games make for compelling action and dramatic finishes.
  • Shooting slump still dogs Bogans    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    By missing a driving layup in the final seconds here yesterday, Kentucky guard Keith Bogans capped yet another frustrating game. "It's very frustrating," Bogans said after a two-for-10 (one of seven from three-point range) shooting performance against Georgia. "I've fought through it this far, so I'm going to keep on fighting."

           Baseball

(2-16-02)

  • Ivy received paperwork on booster club payments    For nearly a year, University of Kentucky athletics officials have said they didn't know about booster club payments to football secretaries, an NCAA violation, until after their February 2001 self-report on problems in the program, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

     Basketball
  • No. 10 Kentucky Drops SEC Battle To Georgia, 78-69    Ezra Williams scored 20 points and Jarvis Hayes 19 as No. 21 Georgia pulled away down the stretch and defeated No. 10 Kentucky 78-69 on Saturday. Gerald Fitch and Tayshaun Prince each scored 17 points for the Wildcats and Marquis Estill added 14. The Wildcats had won seven in a row at Georgia and 10 of 11
  • Ice-cold Cats suffer series sweep by Georgia    Ezra Williams scored 20 points and Jarvis Hayes 19 as No. 21 Georgia pulled away down the stretch and defeated No. 10 Kentucky 78-69 on Saturday.
  • Bulldogs' Hayes tops list of SEC surprises    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    No record book can confirm it. But, surely, no player who did not rate among the nation's top 200 prospects coming out of high school ever torched Kentucky for 30 points in Rupp Arena.
  • Cats know Jarvis Hayes    J.P. Blevins was injured and didn't play the last time the University of Kentucky met Georgia.
  • SEC suspends Georgia's Daniels for first half of game    Georgia sophomore forward Chris Daniels has been suspended for the first half of today's game against No. 10 Kentucky for unsportsmanlike conduct in the Bulldogs' loss to Auburn on Feb. 9.
  • Georgia blames UK for SEC's ruling on Daniels    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    A review of last weekend's Georgia-Auburn game led Southeastern Conference Commissioner Roy Kramer to suspend Georgia forward Chris Daniels for the first half of today's game against Kentucky.
  • Cats' fate still in their own hands    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    It turns out that getting close counts in Kentucky basketball as well as in hand grenades and horseshoes. Given the Cats' inconsistent play and six losses, UK's players still feel good about their chances of winning the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championship
  • Cats hone their defense for rematch with Georgia    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Defense has carried the University of Kentucky to victory in its past two games, and defense has been on the Wildcats' minds the last two days -- but not because of the way they stifled Louisiana State a week ago or Vanderbilt on Wednesday.
  • UK denies it had role in getting foe suspended    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Georgia athletic director Vince Dooley told an Atlanta newspaper that University of Kentucky officials played a role in the suspension of Georgia forward Chris Daniels, who was ordered by the Southeastern Conference to sit out the first half of today's basketball game against UK in Athens, Ga
  • Georgia seeks sweep    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     It has been a University of Kentucky basketball team that seemingly plays to the level of its competition, and the question for it today is in what light does it see its opponent Georgia: as the team that beat the Wildcats earlier this season or as the struggling one it has been of late?
  • Prince's game has picked up    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Just like he did last season on his way to being named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, University of Kentucky senior forward Tayshaun Prince has turned his game up a notch at just the right time in the schedule.

(2-15-02)

     Basketball

  • Georgia needs win over Wildcats    By LARRY VAUGHT, The Advocate-Messenger Sports Editor    When Georgia opened Southeastern Conference play by winning five of six games, including road contests at Kentucky and Florida, it seemed like the Bulldogs were headed for a banner season.
  • Kentucky still struggling to score points    By LARRY VAUGHT, The Advocate-Messenger Sports Editor    This was not supposed to be a season when Kentucky struggled to score points.
  • Cats and Dogs Battle In Key SEC Matchup    Press Conference Quotes    Kentucky will battle host Georgia in a crucial rematch that could have a direct bearing on the league tournament seeding. Both teams have aspirations to finish the regular season among the top two teams in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference to earn a first-round bye into next month's tournament. The Wildcats lead the Bulldogs by just a half-game in the division standings. UK trails leader Florida by one game.
  • Cats and Dogs Battle In Key SEC Matchup    Game could have a direct effect on league tournament seeding.
  • Smith teaches Carruth lesson the hard way    BY JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise SPORTS EDITOR    University of Kentucky freshman Rashaad Carruth believes he's learned a valu-able lesson as a member of coach Tubby Smith's doghouse.
  • 'Cats Come Up Short Against No. 14 Florida, 81-59    Vanessa Hayden blocked seven shots to set a school record, scored 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead No. 14 Florida to an 81-59 victory Thursday night over Kentucky. SeSe Helm led Kentucky with 22 points and Rita Adams added 13.
  • Hayden sets block record as Cats lose    ASSOCIATED PRESS    Vanessa Hayden blocked seven shots to set a school record, scored 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead No. 14 Florida to an 81-59 victory last night over Kentucky.
  • No. 14 Gators prove too big for UK, 81-59    From AP and Special Dispatches     Vanessa Hayden blocked seven shots to set a school record, scored 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds as No. 14 Florida routed visiting Kentucky 81-59 last night in women's college basketball.
  • Consistent Fitch keeps Cats afloat in league   By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    Gerald Fitch, a quiet team-oriented complementary player, stands out for Kentucky in terms of consistent play. "He's playing the best of anybody on the team in conference play," UK Coach Tubby Smith said earlier this week. "It's not even close."
  • Georgia's not same team that beat Cats in Rupp    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
    Injuries. Suspensions. An alleged rape. Death. Much has happened to Georgia since the Bulldogs came to Rupp Arena last month and beat Kentucky. Not much of it has been good.

     Football

  • UK will appeal ban on bowl    The University of Kentucky will appeal the NCAA's decision to include a one-year ban from postseason play among its penalties for the violations committed by the football program.
  • Kentucky will appeal 1-year bowl ban    University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss got the news he wanted to hear yesterday when the school announced it will appeal the bowl-ban portion of the multiple sanctions the program received two weeks ago from the NCAA.
  • Kentucky to Appeal Postseason Ban    By Associated Press     Kentucky will appeal the NCAA's decision to include a one-year ban from postseason play among its penalties for the violations committed by the football program.

     Baseball