February 2005 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (2-28-05)       Basketball            Men  UK may get more chances to gloat soon    Suddenly certified a winner, the University of Kentucky men's basketball team had a chance to cast its newfound validation Atlanta UK Alumni Club Pep Rally     The pep rally will be held on Friday afternoon March 11, 2005 in  Rooms B405 - B407 of the Georgia World Congress Center (next to the Georgia Dome).The pep rally will start at 3:00 p.m and end at 6:00 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Children under 10 are free. Cost for UK students showing a valid ID is $5. The first 500 attending will receive a free Kentucky T-Shirt. Cash bar is available. A DJ will be playing Wildcat music. Vendors will be selling Wildcat merchandise. Former UK players, including Kenny Walker, Jeff Sheppard and Cameron Mills will be present and signing autographs. Also attending will be the 14 time National Championship UK Wildcat Cheerleaders, as well as the UK Pep   UK bids for top seeding    All you need to know about the way the University of Kentucky basketball team captured its 43rd Southeastern Conference regular-season championship and the No. 1 seed in the East for the SEC Tournament could be summed up by what head coach Tubby Smith did after the buzzer sounded at Coleman Coliseum Cats relish win on Bama's floor     Tubby Smith almost always finds something his players could have done better once he gets to his post-game press conferences.   Cats roll Crimson Tide with second-half surge   High fives and pats on the back from every member of the UK bench greeted Lukasz Obrzut as he walked off the court after scoring his only two points Saturday. Rowdy fans ignite Sparks    From a corner in Coleman Coliseum, red-clad Alabama students hurled everything they had at Patrick Sparks. They sent jeers and insults his way, and they tossed trash too. Bombs away!    Everything seemed to be going Alabama's way Saturday against Kentucky. The Crimson Tide had a good lead at halftime and had extended it in the first four minutes of the second half. Davis muzzled by Wildcats in second half of loss     For the first half of Alabama's 78-71 loss to Kentucky, Chuck Davis was just about perfect. The junior forward scored 15 points before the break on 4-of-4 shooting and made all 7 of his free throw attempts.  In the SEC, everyone believes in Kentucky     If anybody ever hands down from on high the Ten Commandments of Kentucky basketball, they'll surely look something like this:           Women UK to Face Auburn in First Round of SEC Tournament     The University of Kentucky women’s basketball team received the No. 10 seed and will face No. 7 seed Auburn in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament Seniors' happy ending    Potts' 27 cinch win in home finale    After losing six in a row and nine of their last 10, Kentucky needed a win in the worst way. After struggling to find her shot in the Southeastern Conference this season, UK senior Sara Potts needed a big game in the worst way. DeMoss still learning virtue of patience    No one should have expected it to be easy. No one should have expected it to happen overnight. No one should have thought that simply hiring a coach with a pedigree would produce snap-your-fingers success.       Baseball  Kentucky's Tuesday Game Canceled    Tuesday’s baseball game between Kentucky and East Tennessee State has been canceled due to projected inclement weather. No make up date has been scheduled. (2-27-05)       Basketball            Men  Sparks carries Kentucky     When Kentucky is winning ugly, like the Wildcats have been lately, their fans usually look for a scapegoat. UK just better, tougher than Crimson Tide     Aweek ago, Mark Gottfried questioned Alabama basketball fans. One week and two losses later, they might have some questions for him. Sparks catches fire vs. Tide     He couldn't find a second-half answer for Kentucky's Patrick Sparks on the floor, but Alabama's Earnest Shelton found the perfect post-game description for Sparks' 26-point scoring burst Saturday at Coleman Coliseum.   Hot UKats cool crowd at Coleman     The home folks showed up in droves, hoping they'd witness a historic drive to Alabama's second SEC championship in four years. Kentucky's Sparks lights up Alabama      The last name fit for the little buzzcut-sporting Kentucky guard who had the nerve to tell his coach what plays to call. Tide’s Upset Hopes Fade Late Against Kentucky, 78-71     Patrick Sparks scored 26 points and hit seven of 10 three-point attempts to lead fifth-ranked Kentucky to a 78-71 win over sixteenth-ranked Alabama on Saturday afternoon at a sold-out Coleman Coliseum. Sparks rekindled     Patrick Sparks made sure that Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith knew he was hot.  Kentucky clinches SEC in Tuscaloosa     Alabama has shown it can go four rounds in the NCAA tournament. Sparks shoots down Tide    JUNIOR HITS SEVEN THREE-POINTERS    When Patrick Sparks gets hot, just get him the ball and get out of the way. Sparks made seven three-pointers to lead Kentucky over Alabama 78-71 Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Sparks' three-point wave turns Tide away      Patrick Sparks did something uncharacteristic during the first half of the University of Kentucky's basketball game at Alabama yesterday. Second half was UK's encore    CATS DROWN OUT BAMA'S BLISTERING START    Forget your talking-head hosts, with their makeup and perfect hair. Forget those coaches-turned-studio jockeys with their run-on opinions and incessant yapping. 'This is how we do it,' though Cats do it a bit differently    They clinched the title two games early, and this has been a transition year. It's easier to go through a change with stellar freshmen and accomplished veterans, but let's not cheapen the triumph with qualifiers. Shooting Sparks    Patrick Sparks' seven three-point baskets yesterday was two short of the UK record. The all-time leaders: Player Date Total Tony Delk Jan. 20, 1996 9 UK wows 'GameDay'     Take a bow, UK fans. Your enthusiasm made a big impression on ESPN College GameDay producer Barry Sacks.  Woo-wee: Obrzut comes up 'huge'    Sophomore big man Lukasz Obrzut had played 23 minutes against Southeastern Conference teams all season. So who knew he'd log 22 important minutes in Kentucky's 78-71 victory at Alabama? TURNING THE TIDE    Key numbers from Kentucky's 78-71 victory at Alabama BIG MAN DUNKS, LOGS SEASON-HIGH 22 MINUTES     Sophomore big man Lukasz Obrzut had played 23 minutes against Southeastern Conference teams all season. So who knew he'd log 22 important minutes in Kentucky's 78-71 victory at Alabama?  Don't panic over NCAA report cards    MONDAY'S ACADEMIC STATUS IS PRELIMINARY, WON'T COST SCHOLARSHIPS YET    On Monday, the NCAA will make public how athletic teams performed in the classroom during the 2003-04 academic year. Kentucky fans should not overreact nor begin assigning blame should UK's numbers be less than exemplary. The second-half Cats     Patrick Sparks did something uncharacteristic during the first half of Kentucky's game at Alabama Saturday.  Kentucky makes 13 of 19 Three Pointers     Patrick Sparks wanted the ball, and Tubby Smith wasn't going to deny him.           Women UK Hoops Seniors Lead Cats Over Arkansas in Regular-Season Finale    The Kentucky senior class of Danyelle Payne, Sara Potts and Keiko Tate combined for 43 points and 17 rebounds on “Senior Day” to pace the UK Hoops team to a 73-67 victory over Arkansas Sunday, Feb. 27 in Memorial Coliseum. POTTS, TATE, PAYNE MADE CLIMBING SEC STAIRCASE POSSIBLE    College is a lot more than lessons learned in a classroom. It's about learning who you are, about developing character and thriving, even in the face of adversity.       Baseball  Kentucky Completes Sweep of Buffalo     Kentucky jumped out to a 7-1 lead and held on late for an 11-9 win to complete a three-game sweep of Buffalo on Sunday at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (2-26-05)       Basketball            Men  UK  78  --  UA  71  (Final) Sparks Fires Cats to SEC Regular Season Title     Patrick Sparks hit five of his seven 3-pointers in the second half and scored a season-high 26 points, lifting No. 5 Kentucky to a 78-71 comeback victory over 16th-ranked Alabama on Saturday to clinch the Wildcats' 43rd Southeastern Conference title. Sparks shoots down Tide     When Patrick Sparks gets hot, just get him the ball and get out of the way. Sparks made seven three-pointers to lead Kentucky over Alabama 78-71 Saturday in Tuscaloosa.  Wildcats Looking for 43rd SEC Championship at Alabama    After claiming a share of the SEC Eastern Division title with an 81-73 win over Auburn Wednesday, the Kentucky Wildcats travel to hostile Coleman Coliseum looking for their 43rd SEC regular-season title Showdown on the boards     The topic was rebounding. That's a sore subject for Kentucky men's basketball coach Tubby Smith these days. Cats might face Tide without Rondo    UK looks for 43rd SEC regular-season title    Kentucky hopes to meet its annual obligation to win the Southeastern Conference championship today. But the Cats might have to do it without freshman point guard SEC title on line for Cats vs. Tide    The University of Kentucky basketball team might collect Southeastern Conference championships like lint, but it never gets old, even when the national title is the standard by which seasons are judged. Bubble teams are feeling the crunch    How time flies. Two weeks from Sunday is Selection Sunday. Crunch time. Today's Kentucky-Alabama Tuscaloosa tilt is merely the local centerpiece of a weekend with national implications. Wildcats looking to plug rebound gap vs. Alabama    After the University of Kentucky had gotten outrebounded for the fourth consecutive game en route to its fourth straight victory Wednesday night, leading rebounder Chuck Hayes was stumped by the team's tendency to get beat on the boards. Hayes will start 101st game in a row    Senior forward Chuck Hayes will be starting his 101st straight game for Kentucky. The school record is 110, set by Alex Groza (1945-49). Recovering Rondo won't play much     The anticipated matchup between two Southeastern Conference freshman of the year candidates in the University of Kentucky's Rajon Rondo vs. Alabama's Ronald Steele might not materialize. UK offers Scott Co. 7-footer scholarship    GEORGIA TECH, UNC ALSO AMONG SUITORS    Big-man prospect Jared Carter of Scott County finds a scholarship offer from Kentucky "exciting." But he doesn't consider it a slam-dunk decision to commit to UK. It seems more like a prime-low-post-position decision. basketball bonding    Ex-Kentucky standout Sam Bowie has become his daughter's biggest fan    More often than not the voice in Sam Bowie's head is telling the voice coming from his mouth to be quiet. But the former Kentucky All-American, NBA player and radio color commentator can't help himself.           Women UK Hoops To Host Arkansas on Senior Day    The Kentucky women’s basketball team plays its regular-season finale Sunday when the Wildcats meet the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks in Memorial Coliseum at 1:00 p.m. ET. Seniors Danyelle Payne, Sara Potts and Keiko Tate will be honored prior to tip-off during “Senior Day” ceremonies.       Baseball  Kentucky Coasts to Fourth Straight Win     Kentucky scored four runs in the first and added four in the third as it cruised to a 10-7 victory over Buffalo on Saturday at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (2-25-05)       Basketball            Men  Wins don't fix rebound woes    UK 'LIVING ON THE EDGE' AGAINST SMALLER, INFERIOR TEAMS    The opposition won the rebounding battle in six of the last seven games. Yet, Kentucky won six of those seven games. So does Kentucky have a rebounding problem or a rebounding inconvenience? UK joins chase for big man    Perhaps sensing that others' offers were forthcoming, University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith offered Scott County High School center Jared Carter a scholarship Wednesday night after the fifth-ranked Wildcats beat Auburn at Rupp Arena. Smith keeps Rondo out of practice to be safe    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith kept freshman point guard Rajon Rondo out of yesterday's practice as a precaution. Rondo bruised a rib in the second half of UK's victory against Auburn on Wednesday. An unlikely assist for Wildcats     Leave it to a former Kentucky Mr. Basketball, a guy averaging 2.8 points and 3.0 rebounds, to pave the way for the University of Kentucky to win its 43rd Southeastern Conference regular season title. Azubuike showed he can be a scorer    After Kelenna Azubuike torched Auburn for a career-high 30 points Wednesday night, the obvious question was: Why doesn't he do it more often..           Women South Carolina Frontcourt Too Much for UK Hoops    Kentucky freshman guard Samantha Mahoney notched her first career double-double with a game-high 19 points and a career-high 12 rebounds Thursday, but a dominant South Carolina post presence was too much for the Cats, as they fell 60-47 in the Colonial Center. Cats' swoon continues in South Carolina    Iva Sliskovic scored 16 points, hitting all eight of her shots, and pulled down a career-best 15 rebounds as South Carolina beat Kentucky 60-47 last night.       Baseball  Grace Single Gives Kentucky Extra Inning Victory     Billy Grace singled home Collin Cowgill in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Kentucky baseball team beat Buffalo, 4-3, on Friday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Baseball Hosts Buffalo in First Home Series     The Kentucky baseball team returns to action this weekend with a three-game set against Buffalo at Cliff Hagan Stadium beginning Friday at 3 p.m. (2-24-05)       Basketball            Men  Azubuike's career performance puts Cats on top     For the first six minutes, everything went according to the script. Azubuike Attack Tames Tigers     Junior Kelenna Azubuike notched his second career double double with a career-high 30 points and 11 rebounds as he led Kentucky past Auburn 81-73 Wednesday night at Rupp Arena. Azubuike stands tall     Kentucky junior swingman Kelenna Azubuike walked onto Rupp Arena's court and felt like a high-schooler again.  Tigers scratch, claw, but fall    Auburn played hard, outrebounding the Cats 40-35, and taking 16 more shots, but couldn't overcome the size deficit and lost to the Cats 81-73 Cats' alter ego returns in another sloppy win     You know what they look like - they're the ones who struggled with Auburn last night.   Azubuike to the rescue     Forward scores career-high 30 points, grabs 11 rebounds   Kelenna Azubuike did not argue when a reporter suggested he just played his best college game. "Points-wise, yeah, I guess," he said after his career-high 30 points led UK to a 81-73 victory over Auburn last night. "It was fun. I wanted to be aggressive. Get to the glass. Get to the bucket. Get fouled. And it worked." Tigers give 'Cats a scare     Toney Douglas and the Auburn basketball team didn't get a win Wednesday night, but they made 23,063 University of Kentucky fans sit in stoned silence during timeouts and did enough to put an unexpected scare in the No.5 team in the nation.   Wildcats' Azubuike stands tall    Facing Auburn's undersized team, University of Kentucky junior Kelenna Azubuike played like a giant. Azubuike had career highs in points (30) and rebounds (11) to help the fifth-ranked Wildcats put away the heady Tigers 81-73 at Rupp Arena Tuesday night. Tigers hang tough     Auburn's Toney Douglas never doubted he would break out of his ice-cold shooting spell.   Cats can impress by beating Tide    Tuesday chipped a bit of the luster off the approaching special Saturday. Louisiana State played spoiler. Alabama rolled into Baton Rouge and was beaten at the buzzer by a former Kentucky Mr. Basketball. The SEC West tightened. The gap between UK and Bama widened. Hustling Tigers Battle Wildcats to the Finish     Toney Douglas scored 21 second-half points as Auburn played step for step with Kentucky in front of 23,043 at Rupp Arena for much of the game, but the talent and depth of the Wildcats was too strong as UK pulled out a 81-73 SEC basketball victory Wednesday night.   Seeds may be decided early     By the morning of Selection Sunday, whether or not the University of Kentucky actually wins the Southeastern Conference tournament might have little or no bearing on whether or not the Wildcats earn their third consecutive No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky vs. Auburn Post-Game Quotes     Kentucky Head Coach Tubby Smith     “I really have to compliment Auburn. I thought Jeff (Lebo) really had his team ready to play. They really attacked offensively. We’ve had trouble defending the three and rebounding. We’ve been outrebounded five of the last six games. It’s a little bit disappointing. With long rebounds, we tell our players you have to box out deeper. When a team is playing a style where they spread the court like that, you have to run out and challenge shots. We did a good job challenging shots, but we kept flying by people and they would follow up and get offensive rebounds. You see a team get 21 offensive rebounds and you’re not doing a very good job boxing out. They took a lot more shots than we did. I thought, early on, we got the ball inside to Randolph (Morris) and he did a very good job. He was 4-for-4 in the first half and then he only had two more shots in the second half, which means we didn’t really get the ball inside like we wanted to. We have to give a lot of credit to Auburn because they took some things away from us. They were athletic enough and quick enough. You try to tell people and you try to tell your team – I think sometimes you don’t appreciate how good a team is until they show up and you have to play against them. Kelenna (Azubuike) had a very good night. I was impressed with his work all the way around. He logged a lot of minutes and I was very impressed with the 11 rebounds. He took care of the basketball and played an outstanding game. Thank goodness he was able to step up and be productive. Rajon (Rondo) had a bruised rib, that’s why he didn’t come back. We had him checked him out and had him x-rayed. It will be a day-to-day thing. He’ll see the doctors, keep icing it and we’ll see how that goes, but he should be fine. We’re very excited about clinching the (SEC) East (Division), at least a share of the Eastern Division title. That is something we play for, to win the SEC. Now, we have to get ready for a very good Alabama team.”   Non-SEC losses 'not devastation'    On Selection Sunday, the Southeastern Conference won't be hurt by its 1-13 non-league record against ranked teams. But individual SEC teams, including Kentucky, might wonder about an effect on NCAA Tournament seedings.           Women Cats get last shot at SEC road    The Kentucky women's basketball team plays its final road game of the season today when it travels to South Carolina, and it will try to snap a five-game losing streak.        Football Archer pulls out of Miami job hunt   COORDINATOR TO STAY AT UK    University of Kentucky defensive coordinator Mike Archer said he withdrew his name from consideration for the defensive coordinator position with the NFL's Miami Dolphins and will remain at UK. Archer staying with Wildcats after interviewing with Dolphins    Mike Archer, the University of Kentucky football team's defensive coordinator, withdrew from consideration for the same job with the Miami Dolphins yesterday, ending nearly a week of speculation about his future. Archer to stay at Kentucky    University of Kentucky defensive coordinator Mike Archer has withdrawn from consideration for a position on the coaching staff of the Miami Dolphins, the university announced in a press release Wednesday. (2-23-05)       Basketball            Men  UK 81  --  AU  73  (Final) Kentucky Looks to Clinch Share of East Against Auburn     Kentucky looks to clinch a share of its 11th SEC Eastern Division title against a depleted Auburn squad in Rupp Arena Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. Auburn poses same threat as Dogs did    LETDOWN LOOMS AS TIGERS LOOK TO UPSET   The last time Kentucky played a nondescript opponent, the Cats flirted with the wrong end of a monumental upset. Eleven days ago, UK expected Georgia to come to Rupp Arena with blindfold and last cigarette in hand. After UK's uninspiring nine-point victory, Coach Tubby Smith said he was "ashamed." Father followed son's footsteps to Auburn    Auburn features college basketball's only father-son coaching combination in which the older man serves as an assistant to the younger. These Tigers more like kittens    Auburn coach Jeff Lebo is taking the "don't ask, don't tell" approach to tonight's basketball game at the University of Kentucky UK can clinch East tonight    It's been four days since the University of Kentucky played a nearly flawless game against Mississippi State. How quickly the players can forget it and focus on beating Auburn could mean the difference between getting upset and clinching at least a share of the Southeastern Conference East division title when the Wildcats host the Tigers tonight at 8 in Rupp Arena.       Baseball  Bertram Walk-Off Homer Lifts UK Over Cumberland     Junior Michael Bertram belted a three-run walk-off homer to cap a seven-run comeback in the ninth inning as Kentucky rallied to beat Cumberland College, 11-10, on Wednesday night at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (2-22-05)       Baseball  UK Adds Wednesday Game Against Cumberland     The Kentucky baseball team, off to a 2-1 start in the 2005 season, will host Cumberland College on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., it was announced Monday Baseball Hosts Cumberland in Season Opener    The Kentucky baseball team hosts Cumberland (Ky.) College Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Cliff Hagan Stadium for the 2005 home opener       Basketball            Men  Rondo steals spotlight     Whether it's a behind-the-back pass in traffic, a steal-and-spin move in the open court, or a ball-handling demonstration that stretches the entire floor and ends with an off-balance layup, Rajon Rondo knows how to electrify the Rupp Arena crowd. Tigers' slide could worsen in trip to No. 5 Kentucky     Two straight losses for Auburn have come in embarrassing fashion.  The Tigers lost to Vanderbilt 67-43 after leading 22-7 with five minutes left in the first half. Auburn dropped a 57-45 decision to Georgia, the Southeastern Conference's worst team, by shooting only 31 percent from the field.   Hayes Named to NABC All-District Team     Kentucky senior forward Chuck Hayes has been named first team All-District 7 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The award, selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC, goes to the finest basketball players in the country. Auburn lives, dies by the three-pointer    TIGERS BILL THEMSELVES AS THE NATION'S SMALLEST TEAM    Jeff Lebo, the former North Carolina guard, did not expect to start his coaching career at Auburn with a bang. Actually, he fretted it might be a season of distinction UK's Morris comes of age    The hype that surrounded University of Kentucky freshman center Randolph Morris would have you believe that he should have been averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds from day one. (2-21-05)       Baseball  Bat Cats crush George Mason 15-4    Kentucky scored in seven innings and bashed defending Colonial Athletic Association champion George Mason 15-4 yesterday at the Buccaneer Classic in Charleston, S.C.       Basketball            Men  Morris drives offensive high     After UK's offense went into cold storage in Columbia, S.C., on Tuesday and tempers in Lexington grew red-hot, Tubby Smith needed an answer fast. Offense returns in primetime rout     A student holding up a handmade sign behind the Wildcat bench had one simple request of his mother before Saturday night's game with Mississippi State. He didn't want money. He didn't want food. UK bounces back in crisp performance     For the University of Kentucky, the difference between losing to South Carolina and beating Mississippi State amounted to 34 more points, 11 fewer turnovers, 10 more assists and seven more steals. 94-78 win just what UK needed     For a team that was struggling to score and re-establish its identity, this was just what coach Tubby Smith wanted. Cats get more from Morris    CENTER'S PRODUCTION FOR UK REFLECTS GROWING CONFIDENCE    With the search for more consistent offense a high priority, Kentucky welcomed the production freshman center Randolph Morris provided last week. Alabama looms as title tilt for Cats    Two weeks remain in the Southeastern Conference's regular season, but chances are good that the league's basketball title might be decided by the end of this week. UK bounces back in crisp performance     For the University of Kentucky, the difference between losing to South Carolina and beating Mississippi State amounted to 34 more points, 11 fewer turnovers, 10 more assists and seven more steals.           Women UK Hoops Smash Single Season Attendance Record     For the second consecutive year, the Kentucky women’s basketball program set record-breaking numbers in home attendance as a school-best total of 73,683 fans have witnessed the Wildcats play this season. Lady Dogs deal UK 5th straight loss    FRUSTRATIONS MOUNT AS CATS STUMBLE DOWN HOMESTRETCH    As if a blue thread is being pulled on the season, Kentucky continued to unravel yesterday with a 71-55 loss to Mississippi State.       Football Ex-Cat seeks medical scholarship    BUT UK INSISTS WILLIAMS ISN'T ELIGIBLE FOR ONE    A medical scholarship is the center of a dispute between the University of Kentucky and the family of former UK football player Dustin Williams. (2-20-05)       Baseball  Baseball Blasts George Mason    Kentucky scored in seven different innings en route to a convincing win over defending Colonial Athletic Association champion George Mason, 15-4, on Sunday at the Buccaneer Classic.       Basketball            Men  Kentucky vs. Mississippi State Post-Game Quotes     Kentucky Head Coach Tubby Smith    “It was a good win for us tonight. I thought our kids really focused. We had a tough time defending Mississippi State in the first half and keeping them off the boards. I thought our guys came out in the second half and did a better job defending the ball. We played the game the right way—we moved the ball, and passed the ball. When that happens, the game becomes a lot easier. We were able to accomplish what we wanted tonight in distributing the ball properly and playing unselfishly. We had some good looks and some good opportunities. Mississippi State is a tough team to match up with. I am happy for Rajon [Rondo], he tied a record with eight steals. He can really change a game with his quickness, his athleticism and his defensive presence. I thought our guys responded well against a tough loss at South Carolina and we’re going to try to get ready for Auburn.”   Men of steal    Rondo ties mark, gets half of Cats' 16 swipes    Chuck Hayes discarded his mask. Kentucky bid farewell to its recent poor play. Rajon Rondo separated Mississippi State from the ball. (3) Kentucky 94, Mississippi St. 78     A big win for Kentucky might have been a season-killer for Mississippi State. Cats follow loss with win    Rajon Rondo tied the school record with eight steals and Patrick Sparks made a blind layup over his head. Smith's message sinks in     If Kentucky was looking for redemption in front of a national audience, it found it. Kentucky turns code red to blue    AFTER TWO-GAME CRISIS, HAYES AND RONDO QUIET THE SIRENS AND RETURN CALM TO RUPP    You can come in off the ledge now. Everything is fine. Everything is back to normal. Crisis averted. Order restored. Breathing is again permissible. So is smiling. Everything is back to Blue. Maybe now UK players can get some sleep    We are 25 days from the serious screaming in college basketball Cats KO Bulldogs in 2nd half     Randolph Morris scored 17 points and Rajon Rondo had eight steals in Kentucky's 94-78 victory over Mississippi State Saturday night in Rupp Arena.  UK fans broadcast their devotion on ESPN    "C-A-T-S! C-A-T-S!" Several hundred screaming bodies -- draped in blue and white and waving homemade signs -- provided a noisy backdrop to ESPN's College GameDay basketball show yesterday. No. 3 'Cats dump Bulldogs 94-78     At first, Lawrence Roberts didn't know what happened. He just knew his leg wouldn't bend, and that it hurt.  SEC staffers play bracketeers    COMMISSIONER SLIVE GETTING SCHOOLED ON EVE OF FIRST STINT ON SELECTION PANEL    For the Southeastern Conference office, Selection Sunday will be repetition Sunday. SEC staffers have already made selections and seeded teams for the NCAA Tournament. They've gone through the process four times beginning in January. Kentucky gearing up for deep tourney run     Tubby Smith walks by the banners every day at Memorial Coliseum to get to his office. He sees them when he's conducting practice on the court.           Women Cats Struggle Against Mississippi State     A 14-point, six-rebound effort from Sarah Elliott was not enough for the Cats as they fell to Mississippi State, 71-55, Sunday afternoon in Memorial Coliseum. Cats back home to face Bulldogs    The Kentucky women's basketball team returns to Memorial Coliseum to face Mississippi State at 3 today. The Wildcats (14-12 overall, 3-8 Southeastern Conference) suffered two road losses last week. Big Second Half Lifts Mississippi State Over Kentucky    Mississippi State’s Tan White scored a game-high 23 points, including 16 in the second half, to lead three Lady Bulldogs in double figures en route to a 71-55 win over Kentucky Sunday in Memorial Coliseum. Freshman center Sarah Elliott tallied a team-high 14 points while freshman forward Chante’ Bowman added 12 points, which ties her career high.       Football Brooks might have another hole to fill    DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR MIKE ARCHER IN TALKS WITH DOLPHINS' SABAN; CATS LOOKING FOR D-LINE COACH    The start of spring football practice is less than six weeks away, and UK Coach Rich Brooks is still on the market for at least one, and possibly two, assistant football coaches. Williams says injuries aren't why he left Cats    Former University of Kentucky football player Dustin Williams said he quit the team last week because of a dispute with one of UK's coaches, not because of the many injuries that had hindered his career. (2-19-05)       Basketball            Men  UK  94  --  MSU  78  (Final) Big Second Half Leads to Blowout of Dogs     After holding a slim three point halftime lead, the Kentucky Wildcats (20-3, 11-1) used a 27-6 second-half run en route to a 94-78 pounding of Mississippi State Thursday night at Rupp Arena. Seven Cats scored in double figures, led by freshman Randolph Morris with 17 points. It is Kentucky's 50th overall and 15th consecutive 20-win season. Tubby sends wakeup call to lackluster Wildcats     After two mediocre performances, University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith wanted to get his players' attention so he held a 6 a.m. practice Thursday, something he has done in the past. There's nothing like a little morning hoops to get the troops back in order. Smith not leaning to lineup change      Tubby Smith says he's always contemplating changes that can make his team better. Men's Basketball Pregame Press Conference Quotes - Mississippi State   Head Coach Tubby Smith       On Mississippi State… “There are things that we have to do better in order to be able to compete against Mississippi State, and number one is rebounding the ball. That’s something that has been a real challenge for us. We’ve got to do a better job there than in the South Carolina game. We didn’t take care of the basketball. Those two areas hurt us tremendously, because I thought we played well enough defensively. We just didn’t put points on the board and had some mental breakdowns. You can’t do that against a good team like Mississippi State. (MSU’s) Winsome Frazier has a couple of games under his belt and some practices. I’m sure he’ll be at full strength, and you combine him with a player of Lawrence Roberts’ caliber and with the way Shane Power is playing, it will be a tough matchup for us. We missed Sheray Thomas (against South Carolina). He’s healthy now and he gives us another body inside, another defender, another rebounder. He’s a guy that can probably match up against Lawrence Roberts as well as anyone else on the team other than Chuck Hayes.     Smith starts 6 a.m. workouts again     As has been his custom in recent years, Kentucky coach Tubby Smith went back to his 6 a.m. practices Thursday - two days after the No. 3 Cats lost 73-61 at South Carolina. UK's five-year run is unsurpassed     South Carolina exposed Kentucky a bit, forcing the Wildcats to shoot 26 percent on 3-pointers in a 12-point loss in Columbia on Tuesday night — the Wildcats' first conference loss of the season.  A few questions for ESPN's Jay Bilas     ESPN analyst Jay Bilas will be in Lexington Saturday as part of ESPN's College GameDay coverage of the Kentucky-Mississippi State game. He answered these questions from sports editor Larry Vaught about the event: Kentucky Looks to Rebound Against Bulldogs on Gameday    Following its first loss to an SEC opponent in 367 days, Kentucky returns home to Rupp Arena and hosts defending SEC champion Mississippi State. 'Perfect game' for redemption    Cats want to resurrect game at center stage    Two games ago, Tubby Smith said he was "ashamed" to be Kentucky's coach. Three nights later, he said of the Cats' passing: "We suck." He's since instituted 6 a.m. practices and simplified the offense in the hopes of generating more scoring. Cats going on offensive for Bulldogs    A typical University of Kentucky basketball practice keeps the players on the defensive, but the No. 3-ranked Wildcats have switched their focus to offense in the days following their upset loss at South Carolina. Celebration costs Gamecocks    Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive fined South Carolina $5,000 for violating the league policy that prohibits spectators from going onto the court during or after a game.           Women UK Hoops Set For Rematch With Mississippi State     The Kentucky women’s basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Memorial Coliseum to face Mississippi State Sunday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. EST in the Southeastern Conference “Game of the Week” televised by Fox Sports Net South.       Baseball  Charleston Southern Rallies Past Kentucky     Charleston Southern rallied from a two-run deficit for a 3-2 win to hand Kentucky its first loss of the season on Saturday in the Buccaneer Classic. Freshman takes no-hitter to 8th in Cats' win    UK OPENS WITH 6-1 ROUT OVER APPY ST.    Freshman Andrew Albers carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning and Kentucky won its season opener yesterday, a 6-1 victory over Appalachian State in the Buccaneer Classic.       Football UK loses defensive line coach    Michael Gray, defensive line coach at the University of Kentucky, has resigned at UK in order to accept a coaching position at another school, Coach Rich Brooks has announced. (2-18-05)       Basketball            Men  ESPN show live at UK     Rupp Arena will be the focus of the college basketball world tomorrow as the ESPN Gameday crew will invade Lexington for UK's game against Mississippi State. Mississippi State at crossroads     Back in January, Mississippi State senior Lawrence Roberts could finally laugh about the star-crossed way his season started.   ESPN wants pep — and lots of it — for Rupp showings     Saturday's Lexington television highlight is unquestionably the one-day version of Survivor: Rupp Arena. Object? Just like the reality show, it's to outwit, outlast and outplay.  Montgomery knows all fans don't like Cats     Since he almost always wears something with a University of Kentucky name or logo on it, Eddie Montgomery hears a lot about the Wildcats as he travels the country performing with Montgomery Gentry. Kentucky rebounders getting outglassed     As Coach Tubby Smith saw it, Kentucky must -- literally as well as figuratively -- rebound from recent sub-par performances. Frazier's return energizes MSU     There are a few things a fairly serious injury can't do to a shooter.            Women Tigers too much for UK women    AUGUSTUS LEADS NO. 1 LSU    Seimone Augustus' right eye was almost swollen shut and her sprained right ankle needed to be iced down. Augustus, who injured the eye in practice when a teammate caught her with an elbow, scored 18 points to lead No. 1 Louisiana State to an 81-58 victory over Kentucky last night.       Baseball  Albers Pitches Wildcats to Win     Freshman Andrew Albers carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his first career start to lift Kentucky to a 6-1 season-opening victory over Appalachian State on Friday in the Buccaneer Classic.       Football  Cats lose projected starting middle LB    The University of Kentucky football team's beleaguered defense suffered another blow yesterday when Dustin Williams, the projected starter at middle linebacker in the team's new 4-3 alignment, left the team. (2-17-05)       Basketball            Men  UK fans, don't panic like your Cats did     Don't do as Chuck Hayes did, clanking that ill-advised three from the top of the key. Don't do as Patrick Sparks did, firing an errant triple from the Colonial Coliseum concourse before the shot clock had barely begun.  Tubby: Cats need more basic training     During ESPN's post-game wrapup of Kentucky's 73-61 loss at South Carolina, play-by-play man Brad Nessler asked analyst Rick Majerus to explain the surprising result.  Loss shows UK has major problems     If this was not coach Tubby Smith's most disappointing loss at Kentucky, it had to be close. Cats showed plenty for Tubby to dislike    Tubby Smith didn't disguise his thoughts after the University of Kentucky basketball team's 73-61 loss at South Carolina on Tuesday night Wildcats revert to old habits    The "S" talk can stop now. Speculation about whether the University of Kentucky would continue its streak of going undefeated in the Southeastern Conference like it did two years ago and discussions of whether or not the third-ranked Wildcats would earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament might have finally taken their toll on the Wildcats. (2-16-05)       Basketball            Men  South Carolina Hands Kentucky First Conference Loss     Tarence Kinsey scored 17 points and Carlos Powell had 12 in the second half to lead South Carolina to a rare victory over No. 3 Kentucky, 73-61 on Tuesday night. CATS CLANK ONE   UK shoots 35 percent, commits 21 turnovers in loss   Kentucky forward Chuck Hayes called last weekend's lackluster victory over Georgia a "lesson-learning game." A 73-61 loss at South Carolina last night showed the Cats have yet to learn those lessons. Cats far from perfect    The Cats' 19-game Southeastern Conference winning streak was snapped as South Carolina flew past the No.3-ranked Wildcats 73-61 South Carolina just wanted it more    First possession of the second half. Kentucky's ball. From the left wing, Kalenna Azubuike lofted the perfect lob pass. To the right of the goal, Rajon Rondo rose, caught and slammed. Tie score. Kentucky's perfect SEC record spoiled    It was supposed to be redemption night for the University of Kentucky and the University of South Carolina. Neither team played well in its previous game, leaving both with something to prove in the second of two regular-season matchups between the teams Tuesday night. Gamecocks end UK's win streak     Tarence Kinsey scored 17 points and Carlos Powell had 12 in the second half to lead South Carolina to a rare victory over No. 3 Kentucky, 73-61 on Tuesday night. Bagging a big ’Cat   Gamecocks stun No. 3 Kentucky   South Carolina produced the kind of game Tuesday night that causes players to never want to leave the court. Not that the Gamecocks had much of a chance to rush off the Colonial Center’s floor. South Carolina Shocks No. 3 Kentucky 73-61    Tarence Kinsey scored 17 points and Carlos Powell had 12 in the second half to lead South Carolina to a rare victory over No. 3 Kentucky, 73-61 on Tuesday night. It was the first home win for the Gamecocks (14-8, 6-5 Southeastern Conference) over the Wildcats (19-3, 10-1) since 1997, and it was just South Carolina's sixth victory in 41 meetings against Kentucky, which never looked in synch. Fans poured onto the court after the victory, arguably South Carolina's best in coach Dave Odom's tenure, and Kinsey stood on press row, slapping high-fives with celebrating students Year Of The Rooster    Tarence Kinsey (right) led the celebration for South Carolina on Tuesday night. He had good reasons: 17 points and the Gamecocks' 73-61 upset of No. 3 Kentucky       Baseball  Coach Cohen Live Chat Wednesday    Baseball head coach John Cohen will be featured in a live chat on ukathletics.com Wednesday at noon ET. Fans can log on and ask questions beforehand or during the chat. (2-15-05)       Basketball            Men  USC 73  -- UK  61  (Final) Men's Basketball Pregame Press Conference Quotes - South Carolina     Head Coach Tubby Smith    On the Georgia win… “You’re never really as bad as you look sometimes. I think that was the case with the Georgia game. The execution wasn’t there, but I thought Georgia had a lot to do with that. One of the things we’ve been working hard on is our rebounding. We’ve been struggling rebounding the ball. Cats are human, too     Kentucky should be thankful its last contest wasn't the opening round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament or the NCAA, for that matter. Cats need to mature     One of those games, that's all it takes to end your basketball season when March comes around.   Wildcats focus on rebounding as they visit Gamecocks     ``One of the things we've been working hard on is our rebounding,'' Smith said. ``We've been struggling rebounding the ball.''  Starless Kentucky still good     In a late-winter ritual that has become almost mundane, Kentucky's men's basketball team has positioned itself for a third consecutive No. 1 seeding in the NCAA tournament.  UK an opportunity for South Carolina     As crazy as it sounds, University of South Carolina coach Dave Odom says No. 3 University of Kentucky is the perfect opponent for the Gamecocks in the wake of Saturday's 74-71 loss at home to Auburn.  Gamecocks hoping to tame 'Cats     South Carolina needs a win against No. 3 Kentucky tonight if the Gamecocks have any hope of an at-large NCAA tournament bid. South Carolina faces must win against No. 3 Kentucky     South Carolina desperately needs a win against No. 3 Kentucky on Tuesday night if the Gamecocks have any hope of an at-large NCAA tournament bid.  With Georgia on mind, Cats eager to rebound     When UK travels to Columbia, S.C., tonight for a Southeastern Conference rematch with the Gamecocks, each team will enter the contest with an entirely different set of motives. UK's Obrzut says 'I'm no quitter'     Lukasz Obrzut won't deny that he's disappointed with the way this season has gone for him, but he also says he's still convinced he can be a productive player for the University of Kentucky.   Cats must hear wake-up call     Following a lackluster win over an intramural team called Georgia, UK felt sick - literally.  Wildcats Head To Columbia Seeking 50th 20-Win Season    Following a 60-51 win over Georgia Saturday, the 19-2 Kentucky Wildcats face SEC East foe South Carolina Tuesday night looking to capture UK’s 50th (and 15th-consecutive) 20-win season  Despite gaudy record, Cats have room to grow    Hayes said this team might be more talented than previous seasons No. 1 seeded UK teams, but it lacks the tough-minded approach. Motivated Cats meet motivated Carolina    Both teams seek amends, post-season positioning    Past, present and future align when Kentucky plays at South Carolina tonight. Both teams look to make amends for poor performances last weekend. Each sees post-season implications in victory or defeat. 'Cats look to regroup    Chuck Hayes quoted the phrase, "They say you're only as good as your last game" before the University of Kentucky practiced Monday afternoon to prepare for its game against South Carolina. If that's true, then the third-ranked Wildcats and the Gamecocks should consider themselves fortunate their seasons didn't end last Saturday. Powell says Felton's criticism was just frustration talking    Called a "faker" and "flopper" by Georgia Coach Dennis Felton, South Carolina forward Carlos Powell dismissed those criticisms as the product of frustration. (2-14-05)       Basketball            Men  SEC Tournament Pep Rally Information   The Atlanta UK Alumni Club will be holding a pep rally at the SEC Tournament on March 11 at the Georgia World Congress Center Rooms B405-B407 beginning at 3:00 p.m. Cost is $15 per person - children under 10 are free. Georgia teaches Wildcats a lesson     Kentucky hasn't felt this bad about a win in a while, and Georgia probably hasn't felt so positive about a loss.  Cats struggle with Bulldogs, remain perfect     The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats filed into the Rupp Arena tunnel after Saturday's game with their heads lowered in stunned silence.  Sparks finds shot    Amid all of the ugliness Saturday at Rupp Arena, there was at least one nugget of good news for Kentucky: Patrick Sparks got his shot back.   UK looks terrible in victory     This was not an enjoyable win for Tubby Smith.  "It's no fun when you don't play the right way," said the Kentucky coach after his team's surprisingly close 60-51 win Saturday over Georgia at Rupp Arena. This Cat no longer tame    The basketball games on the concrete court in Bobby Perry's back yard often lacked rules, especially when the game was two-on-two among the four Perry brothers. UK's win vs. 'Dogs feels like a defeat    If you're an optimist, you would still need a compass, a map and a global positioning satellite to find something positive about the University of Kentucky's 60-51 victory against Georgia in Rupp Arena on Saturday.           Women Cats fall to Auburn, face No. 1 LSU next    Natasha Brackett scored 20 points and Louise Emeagi added 15 to lead Auburn to a 65-50 win over Kentucky in Southeastern Conference play yesterday. (2-13-05)       Basketball            Men  Free-throw shooting continues to be work in progress for Morris     Ninety-five minutes before game time, a trio of Cats in street clothes sauntered across Rupp Arena's parking lot. They caught the attention of Kentucky fans watching from above, waiting for officials to open the doors.  Kentucky, Louisville lead way for area teams     Kentucky coach Tubby Smith is tied for the sixth-best winning percentage among active coaches in the NCAA Tournament, with a 24-10 record.  Walk-ons run close to upset     Say this for Georgia coach Dennis Felton: Whenever he finally gets a full complement of players, he may be unbeatable.  Missed FTs sink Georgia's upset bid     First place Kentucky got a late-game scare from last place Georgia in Lexington, but they held on for a 61-50 win to remain undefeated in league play. Wildcats' lackluster effort, rebounding displease Smith     Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said his team was lucky he needed to rush to a postgame benefit for the Tubby Smith Foundation Saturday evening.  A win despite itself   UK nearly blows second-half lead, earns Smith's disgust   The only suspense in Kentucky's 60-51 victory over Georgia yesterday was whether the control truck Jefferson-Pilot Sports needed to televise the game would arrive in time. Cats at a loss after 60-51 win    Their heads hung as if the season had just been canceled. Sorry effort warrants an apology   FINAL FOUR TEAM OF 1975 RETURNED TO RUPP TO WATCH THIS?    Dear 1974-1975 Kentucky basketball team: I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm sorry they brought you back to celebrate your Final Four run of 30 years ago, only to watch your alma mater, the Southeastern Conference's best team, sleepwalk to a 60-51 win over the SEC's worst team. Kentucky vs. Georgia Post-Game Quotes     Kentucky Head Coach Tubby Smith     “We’re happy to get the win today after playing so ugly. Certainly, I have to give a lot of credit to Georgia because they are a team that is going to hound you no matter what the score. They are going to come with the same energy and the same effort and I thought they outworked us. It was pretty evident. You’re always concerned – coming off a big win over Florida, still undefeated in the league – teams are going to give us their best effort Hoosiers remember '75 loss    It's been 30 years since the Kentucky team honored here yesterday won its way to the Final Four and gained a place in UK basketball lore. Tubby gives 'Woo' his due over Alleyne   Kentucky's 60-51 victory over Georgia yesterday begged a question: What's the Polish word for resurrection? Sophomore Lukasz Obrzut, a seldom-used native of Poland, contributed four points in a five-minute stint in the first half. Freshman Ramel Bradley created those points, feeding the big man for a fast-break layup, then delivering another pass that resulted in a foul and two Obrzut free throws.           Women Auburn 65  -- UK  50  (Final) Auburn Too Much for UK Hoops    Senior Auburn guard Natasha Brackett scored a game-high 20 points and Kentucky shot just 30.5 percent (18-of-59) from the field as the Tigers defeated the Wildcats 65-50 Sunday in Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum. Freshman guard Samantha Mahoney led the Cats for the second consecutive game with a team-high 13 points. Getting back on track Cats' goal at Auburn   Kentucky looks to snap a two-game losing streak in Southeastern Conference play when it plays at Auburn today. The Wildcats (14-10, 3-6 Southeastern Conference) have dropped back-to-back contests to Georgia and Florida. UK Hoops Travels to Auburn    The Kentucky women’s basketball team travels to Auburn, Ala., looking to snap a two-game losing streak in Southeastern Conference play when the Wildcats meet the Auburn Tigers Sunday, Feb. 13. Tip off is set for 3 p.m. EST in Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, and the game will be carried live on WLXG 1300 AM with Chris Cross.        Football Booker among 3 to leave Cats   BROOKS: STARTING LB, REDSHIRT KLOPE AND SOPHOMORE BRADY GONE   Three players, including one who started at times last season, have left Kentucky's football team, Coach Rich Brooks said yesterday. (2-12-05)       Basketball            Men  UK 60  --  UG  51 (final) No. 5 Kentucky 60, Georgia 51    Chuck Hayes and Patrick Sparks each scored 14 points and No. 5 Kentucky held off a late run by undermanned Georgia for a 60-51 victory on Saturday. Cats Take Care of Bulldogs, 60-51     Chuck Hayes and Patrick Sparks each scored 14 points as they led No. 5 Kentucky past the Georgia Bulldogs 60-51 Saturday afternoon in Rupp Arena. The Wildcats remain undefeated in SEC play (10-0) and moved to 19-2 overall Kentucky 60, Georgia 51   Chuck Hayes and Patrick Sparks each scored 14 points and No. 5 Kentucky held off a late run by undermanned Georgia for a 60-51 victory on Saturday. Kentucky runs past Georgia; perfect in SEC     Chuck Hayes and Patrick Sparks each scored 14 points and No. 5 Kentucky held off a late run by undermanned Georgia for a 60-51 victory on Saturday. Rondo's passion for basketball 'a pleasant surprise' for his coach     Kentucky coach Tubby Smith knew Rajon Rondo had talent. It's what Smith didn't know about Rondo that has made the coach appreciate his freshman point guard even more.  Kentucky vs Georgia game preview     Kentucky may start a pair of freshmen, but Southeastern Conference rival Georgia has the fifth-ranked Wildcats beat in terms of youth -- and not much else. Georgia coach undefeated at Rupp Arena     The only SEC coach yet to lose in Rupp Arena will lead Georgia against the conference's only undefeated team today. Cats growling, Dogs hurting   UGA meets Kentucky without Stukes, sidelined with a stress fracture UK HAS BEEN IMMUNE TO THE CRAZY SCORES IN THE CONFERENCE    Kentucky is the rock. Always at or near the top. Always winning. Nine games into the SEC basketball schedule, the Cats are 9-0. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. UK vs. Georgia: Muscle vs. muscle   Georgia's basketball team might be under fire for playing overly physical, but coach Dennis Felton wishes his team was as physical as the University of Kentucky. Foes come to Felton's defense   Heath, Smith say Dogs' play physical, not dirty   A sheep in wolf's clothing. That's how Georgia perceives itself after a burst of criticism that questioned whether the Bulldogs' aggressive play crossed into unsportsmanlike behavior. Weaker schedule helps UK so far    Fans groaned when they saw the University of Kentucky's non-conference schedule littered with Campbell, William & Mary and Georgia State. Some of the Wildcats weren't exactly thrilled either. UK head coach Tubby Smith decided against playing the type of killer schedule fans had gotten used to over the last four or five years to preserve his team for the long haul. Georgia's Newman knows what to expect in Rupp    The sarcastic greeting from the old television comedy from Seinfeld -- "Hello, Newman" -- may fit Georgia forward Steve Newman's appearance in Rupp Arena today.        Football Linebacker Booker leaves UK   University of Kentucky sophomore Brad Booker, a former first-team All-State linebacker from Bowling Green, did not return to UK for the spring semester, the school announced yesterday (2-11-05)       Basketball            Women Second Half Run Lifts Gators Over Cats, 70-59     Senior guard Tamia Williams scored a game-high 19 points and the Florida Gators scored 15 points off of 17 Kentucky turnovers and outrebounded the Cats 33-30 to take a 70-59 win in Memorial Coliseum. Three UK players scored in double figures, led by freshman guard Samantha Mahoney’s team-high 16. Lackluster leadership derails Cats yet again    With 1:08 left in the first half of the Florida game, UK coach Mickie DeMoss stood with her hands on her hips and stared at the Memorial Coliseum ceiling, shaking her head.  getting their giggle on    UK PALS BOWMAN, MAHONEY FIND IT HARD TO KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE    Kentucky players Chante Bowman and Samantha Mahoney exchange a quick glance, then it starts. The giggling. The doubling over. The snorting. UK's season runs into Gators' roadblock    Florida let UK back in the game just long enough to shut the door in its face, defeating the Cats 70-59 last night at Memorial Coliseum. UK has now lost two close conference games in a row and faces two games on the road next week.  Wrong time to go cold    Cats shoot 27.6 percent in second half    Earlier in the afternoon, Coach Mickie DeMoss and her Kentucky team were talking about seizing their opportunity for post-season play. Florida pulls away from Wildcats    Florida used an 8-0 run in the second half to break a 54-54 tie and went on to beat the University of Kentucky women's basketball team 70-59 last night in Memorial Coliseum.           Men  Kentucky Looks for Season Sweep of Georgia Saturday    Kentucky looks to sweep its season series with Georgia when the Bulldogs visit Lexington Saturday. The game will be telecast on JP Sports and will tipoff at 3 p.m. ET. Bulldogs put on defensive over 'D'     A hard elbow to the back.  A swift blow to the head.  A forearm to the chest. Won't be long before freshman must choose between UK kingdom, NBA cash    There's no off switch on Dick Vitale. Before Kentucky played Florida, the perpetually wired commentator offered an unsolicited assessment of Rajon Rondo. Cats simply enjoying view on hype train   Of course the University of Kentucky has a confirmed seat on college basketball's hype train. It just happens to be in the back, near the toilet and between two rather robust humans Bulldogs Head To Kentucky For Saturday Contest    Georgia completes its regular-season series with Eastern Division foe Kentucky in a Saturday afternoon game in Lexington. These two teams met 28 days ago in Athens, the Wildcats taking an easy 76-55 win. The Bulldogs arrive at today's game with a 7-13 overall record, 1-9 in SEC play, having dropped five straight decisions and 10 of their last 11. (2-10-05)       Basketball            Women UK Hoops Meet Florida in Memorial Coliseum     The Kentucky women’s basketball team will face Florida for the 34th time in school history when they play host to the Gators Thursday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. ET in Memorial Coliseum. The game will be televised by various Central Kentucky networks.           Men  Morris starting to play the way he practices     Tubby Smith sensed in practice Monday that freshman center Randolph Morris was on the verge of making dramatic improvement. Morris notching up the intensity     FRESHMAN SHOWS MORE EFFORT IN PRACTICE    One of freshman big man Randolph Morris' more productive games came a day after one of his better practices. No coincidence there, Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith said. Moss sparks Cats' victory     He's not one of the players ESPN analyst Dick Vitale joked with before the game. He's not a member of a highly-touted freshman recruiting class. He's not even a scholarship player. Rondo, Morris step up for Cats     You knew this one was headed down to the wire.  Never mind the fact that Florida was unranked and Kentucky still finds itself among the elite circles in college basketball despite two freshman starters making their first-ever tour of duty through the Southeastern Conference.   Rondo turns up his play     With Florida desperately trying to find a way to hold off Kentucky's rally and break a seven-game losing streak to the Wildcats, point guards Rajon Rondo and Anthony Roberson exchanged bumps, words and glares midway of the second half.   Fan behavior not a laughing matter anymore    The University of Kentucky announced on Tuesday that it will increase tuition 14.5 percent in an effort to provide its students a better education. UK fans need to find new material     On a night when some of UK's youngest stars showed their maturity on the court, some fans in the stands showed how little they have.   Rondo vs. Roberson was quite a duel   Florida's junior guard, Anthony Roberson, a Player of the Year candidate in the Southeastern Conference, went head to head Tuesday night with the University of Kentucky's freshman guard, Rajon Rondo, in an undercard that proved as compelling as the main event Wildcats playing roles well     They're a basketball team now. Not a work in progress. Not an experiment a la MTV's the "Real World" where seven strangers are picked to live together in a house and filmed for several months. (2-09-05)       Basketball            Men Donovan remembers Rupp mystique     Parting a student mob of blue and white, a middle-aged, orange-and-blue-clad man emerges from the Kentucky boosters’ hospitality room, making his way toward the court. Lead slips away, Gators fall in Rupp again     As Coach Billy Donovan sat with his elbows resting on his knees, yelling into his clutched hands, he knew what was coming. Gators Have Momentum, Then Lose It And Game     The junior stood toe-to-toe with the freshman.  Florida guard Anthony Roberson's eyes bored into Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo, the young upstart, returned the veteran's glare. Bluegrass battle unraveled     The streak was teetering and the Big Blue faithful were hushed into an eerie silence. 'Cats overcome UF's early edge     Florida finally felt it. After seven seasons of the same constant beatings, the Gators had finally found out how it feels to dominate No. 5 Kentucky on its own court.  When Cats need boost, Moss delivers with a surge      Ravi Moss just knows how to win.  Against Florida last night, the junior walk-on guard proved once again he has an uncanny knack for making big-time plays under big-time pressure.   Rondo, 'Cats scratch Gators (again)     Rupp Arena was near the boiling point Tuesday night when the alpha male point guards for Kentucky and Florida wound up eyeball-to-eyeball and jaw-to-jaw.  Kentucky vs. Florida Post-Game Quotes     Kentucky Head Coach Tubby Smith    “I have to compliment Florida. Billy (Donovan) had his team ready to play and well-prepared. It took everything we had to stay in the game and give us a chance. We had some guys make some clutch plays and some clutch performances. We showed real grit and came out with a hard-fought (win). There are going to be hard-fought SEC games from here on out and we know that. I thought Rajon (Rondo) really stepped up and did some good things at the defensive end and he made his free throws in clutch situations. Randolph (Morris) played well the minutes he was in the game. I thought he did some good stuff. We had a real team effort. Sheray (Thomas) came off the bench and gave us energy. Obviously Florida came after us in the first half and I thought our kids responded the way you have to in the first three minutes of the second half. I thought there were some times when we gambled and should have just played more conservatively defensively. We left some people open for some threes and we had been defending the three pretty well until tonight. But we had guys make big plays in the second half and that’s what pulled us through.”   Inspired Cats blow by Gators     The freshman had a beef, and he wasn't about to retreat quietly.  Kentucky guard Rajon Rondo crooked his neck, puffed out his chest and rattled off a dozen words to his nemesis of the night, Florida guard Anthony Roberson. Rondo rallies Comeback Cats     Anthony Roberson passed through a screen early in the second half, and when he looked up for the ball, nobody was there. Cats Evade Gators, 69-66      Kentucky overcame a seven point halftime deficit to defeat the Florida Gators, 69-66, Tuesday night at Rupp Arena. The Cats were led by junior Kelenna Azubuike with 18 points and freshman Rajon Rondo with 14 points and seven rebounds. CATS SNAP BACK     Rondo, Azubuike respond to Gators' big 1st-half bite     Florida proved its toughness. But beating Kentucky? The Cats insisted that would have to wait for another game. Trailing most of the first 27 minutes, UK rallied down the stretch to beat Florida 69-66 last night. That marked the Cats' eighth straight victory in the series (and 10th in the last 11 meetings). UK escapes upset at home    The University of Kentucky continued its dominance over Florida, but at least the Gators made things interesting. UK beat Florida, 69-66, at Rupp Arena on Tuesday night in a clash befitting the top two teams in the Southeastern Conference's East division. Cats come off the mat    The Cats came back after being behind most of Tuesday nights game with a surge from Rajon Rondo, to beat the Gators 69-66. RETURN HOME MARKS END OF LONG ROAD SPELL FOR CATS   Kentucky forward Chuck Hayes' name was conspicuously absent from two more mid-season lists of award nominees yesterday. The Naismith Trophy's mid-season top 30 list did not include Hayes. Two other Southeastern Conference players, Lawrence Roberts of Mississippi State and Kennedy Winston of Alabama, made the list. So did Francisco Garcia of Louisville. Cats are still Cats; Gators are still Gators    It was a competition, at least. Tempers were uncovered. Tubby Smith did a foot-stomping, triple-spin move, his arms out, as he protested a call. Cats come from behind to beat Gators, 69-66     The Cat's came back from a early lead by the Gators, thanks to a surge from Rajon Rondo, to defeat the gators 69-66. (2-08-05)       Basketball            Men UK  69  --  UF  66  (Final) Sticky defense saves Cats in 2nd half     Rajon Rondo showed he could hit his free throws, making 8 of 10, to help lead Kentucky over Florida 69-66 tonight in Rupp Arena. Kentucky 69 Florida 66     Kelenna Azubuike scored 18 points and No. 5 Kentucky rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit to beat Florida 69-66 on Tuesday night. In Florida's Walsh, UK fans find their favorite villain     The first two times Matt Walsh visited Rupp Arena, UK fans had no problems letting the Florida guard know how they felt about him.  Men's Basketball Pregame Press Conference Quotes - Florida     Head Coach Tubby Smith    On Florida… “I’ve been impressed with Florida and the way they’re defending. They’re really playing very good half-court defense. Their offense is showing a lot of patience. They’re getting great play out of their freshmen. Al Horford had 18 rebounds (against Alabama) and Corey Brewer is playing great. They’re getting some good, good play out of some young players. They’re getting some good depth and good balance throughout their lineup.”   Heart of Big Blue nation beats from the last row     Somewhere down there is Kelenna Azubuike. And Tubby Smith. And Chuck Hayes. The UK band, the cheerleaders and the dance team.   But I won't sign an affidavit to it.  Fans finally embrace the 'other' Pitino aide     When Rick Pitino bolted from UK for the NBA in 1997, Billy Donovan was the people's choice to take over the Cats.  Smith makes Joiner's 8th birthday special     When Tubby Smith thought an official mistakenly gave the ball to Vanderbilt instead of Kentucky in Saturday's game, he jumped up and down on the court and screamed at the official.   Kentucky UF's top challenge     One team has the tradition, the titles, the 17-game conference winning streak and a fan base that expects to reach the Final Four every year.  The other team is striving toward that goal.  Forget kid stuff, Gators' Donovan has come of age     Billy Donovan will turn 40 in a couple of months, his slicked-back hair is creeping a little further back on his famous forehead and now he is the dean of Southeastern Conference basketball coaches.  UF's 'Bama romp means squat at Rupp     When Billy Donovan met with his Florida basketball team Sunday afternoon, this is what he had to say about the Gators' 31-point upset of then-No.11 Alabama the day before: Absolutely nothing. Not one word.  Whatever happened to Gator greatness?     An enigmatic UF team, only lukewarm so far this season, is poised to either dash to the NCAAs or flop to the NIT. Which will it be?  Preview: Kentucky vs Florida - Yahoo Sports     Once again, Kentucky is cruising through the Southeastern Conference and Florida is trying to catch up. Florida eager for No. 5 Kentucky     The Florida Gators have gone into Kentucky's Rupp Arena with better credentials and lost.  Gators roll into Kentucky off rout of Alabama     There's no way Kentucky would fail to take seriously a basketball game against Florida, senior forward Chuck Hayes said. Florida trying to stop Kentucky's streak     Once again, Kentucky is cruising through the Southeastern Conference and Florida is trying to catch up.  Gators go hungry vs. UK     Chuck Hayes owns the University of Florida.  Since the University of Kentucky senior forward's freshman year, the Wildcats have not lost to the Gators. Kentucky Returns To Rupp Arena to Face Florida     Kentucky returns to Rupp Arena for the first time in 17 days after playing five of its last six games on the road. They take on the Florida Gators in an ESPN matchup, Tuesday at 9:00 p.m.   Gators getting tougher    Team Pretty comes to Rupp Arena tonight hoping its recent facelift will encourage a new look on the scoreboard Substance creepinginto Gators' style    FLORIDA HOPES IMPROVED 'D' PUTS STOP TO SKID VS. CATS    Here's a surprise: Kentucky enjoys its longest active in-league winning streak against its biggest rival. That would be Florida, which comes to Rupp Arena tonight having lost the last seven games in the series (and nine of the last 10). Gators go hungry vs. UK     Chuck Hayes owns the University of Florida. Since the University of Kentucky senior forward's freshman year, the Wildcats have not lost to the Gators. "Not too many people can say since they've been here that they've gone undefeated against Florida," Hayes said. SOMEBODY SHOULD TELL NETWORK THAT UK IS DOMINATING FLORIDA    One of the most potent forces known to man -- the hype machine called E-S-P-N -- has proclaimed this college basketball's "rivalry week." Charges of 'foul' play irk Felton    Georgia Coach Dennis Felton used a Southeastern Conference teleconference yesterday to defend his team's style of play. "I find myself all of the sudden lately answering a lot of questions and charges about us being an overly physical team and a dirty team and all that sort of thing," Felton said in an opening statement before fielding questions. "I'm disappointed because it is being sparked by disparaging remarks from around the conference recently, from opposing coaches and players. I'm really... (2-07-05)       Basketball            Men No. 6 Kentucky has what all teams want - timely chemistry     The Kentucky Wildcats have been working to play better together. It's apparently working very well. UK defense slams 'Dores in rout     Less than five minutes into Saturday's game, Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings walked calmly onto the Memorial Gym court and motioned for a time-out. The scoreboard showed his Commodores trailing No. 6 UK 9-0 with 15:20 remaining in the first half.  Kentucky leaves Vanderbilt feeling blue   Kentucky has become the imperialist force of Southeastern Conference basketball by finding ways to win. Kentucky looking like 16-0 is possible     Kentucky's chances for going unbeaten in Southeastern Conference play just keep looking better.   Road swing brings Cats together     Even hard-to-please Tubby Smith could not complain.   On Saturday, his Cats demolished the Commodores with one of their most complete games of the  season, and the UK head coach had trouble finding anything to critique. Inexperience no longer flaw    Four months ago before the season started, University of Kentucky senior forward Chuck Hayes pleaded his case like a defendant in a courtroom at Southeastern Conference media day.           Women Humphrey leads Dogs with push from Elliott    Freshman's 32, late foul shots seal victory    Kentucky center Sarah Elliott succeeded in pushing the right buttons that got Georgia freshman Tasha Humphrey inspired. Humphrey scored a career-high 32 points, including No. 18 Georgia's last five points as the Lady Dogs overtook upset-minded Kentucky 68-64 yesterday. Women's Basketball Pep Rally to be Held for Students    All UK Students are invited to the King Alumni House (corner of Rose & Euclid) for a Pre-game Rally before the Florida vs. UK Women’s Basketball Game, Thursday, February 10, 2005, from 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. (2-06-05)       Basketball            Men It's candy at Vandy    Kentucky deflates Commodores with big three-pointers    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith took comfort in Kelenna Azubuike's banked three-point shot as the first-half buzzer sounded. "I told the staff, it's going to be a good day," Smith said after Kentucky's 84-70 victory at Vanderbilt yesterday. As good as it gets for UK, 84-70    The Cats took control from the beginning, and led by double-digits most of the game in one of their best played games of the season against Vanderbilt, 84-70. UK harmonizing on the road    TALENTED BAND OF WILDCATS EAGER TO SHOW OFF ACT AT HOME    The masked man Chuck Hayes smiled. Through sniffles, Bobby Perry smiled. Patrick Sparks, he of the black socks, flashed a little grin. In his trademark low key, Kelenna Azubuike nearly beamed. Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt Post-Game Quotes     Kentucky Head Coach Tubby Smith     Opening Statement:  “It was a good win for us. Any time you come in here, with the tough atmosphere this place has, and leave with a win, you leave happy. Getting up early gave us confidence, then we were able to build on that the rest of the second half. We did a good job of defending the three’s and taking away their back cuts. That was a key for us defensively. Cats' Rondo draws raves all around    Players from both teams said freshman Rajon Rondo had a key role in Kentucky's 84-70 victory at Vanderbilt yesterday. "He's a great player," Vandy forward Corey Smith said. "He might be their best player simply because he runs the team and keeps the team in order. Thomas' recovery Tubby's top thrill   Sophomore not 100 percent, but he's back and a    factor   Comebacks from 16-point halftime deficits at Louisville and Ole Miss thrilled Kentucky fans. Extending the most dominating stretch of victories against Southeastern Conference teams in 50 years earned space in UK's storied basketball history.           Women Cats Edged by No. 18 Georgia     Freshman Tasha Humphrey scored a career-high 32 points, including the last five points for No. 18 Georgia, and the Lady Dogs overtook upset-minded Kentucky 68-64 Sunday. Cats look for first SEC road win at Georgia    LADY DOGS LOST IN LEXINGTON FOR UK'S FIRST WIN OVER A RANKED FOE IN FIVE YEARS    The Kentucky women look for their first road win in conference play in a rematch with Georgia today. UK (14-8, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) beat then-No. 18 Georgia 71-63 on Jan. 13 in Rupp Arena. It was the Cats' first win over a ranked opponent in five seasons and their first win over Georgia in eight tries.        Football COMMITMENT: WHOSE PROBLEM?    Honesty, extra signing day might help prevent late switcheroos    The airwaves and message boards were peppered last week with football fans expressing frustration about high school prospects who backed out of verbal commitments to sign with other schools. IU beats out UK for linebacker    Indiana University football coach Terry Hoeppner announced yesterday that Matt Lewis, a 6-foot-2 245-pounder from Daytona Beach, Fla., has signed with the Hoosiers (2-05-05)       Basketball            Men UK  84  --  Vandy  70  (Final) Balanced Scoring Propels Cats Past Vandy, 84-70     Patrick Sparks, Kelenna Azubuike and Chuck Hayes each scored 15 points, and No. 6 Kentucky beat Vanderbilt 84-70 Saturday for its eighth straight victory. (6) Kentucky 84, Vanderbilt 70     Tubby Smith didn't need to worry about how his sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats would react to having a week off.   Sloppy Commodores no match for Cats     Chuck Hayes made his first three-pointer in almost exactly a year. Kelenna Azubuike banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first half. Rajon Rondo made his first trey in nearly three weeks. Yes, it was Kentucky's day. The Cats rolled to a 84-70 victory over Vanderbilt.  Second half of SEC schedule key for Vandy     Forget the basketball jerseys and the Nikes.  Grab the Polo shirts and the Ping putters. UK's defense big concern for Vandy     Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings doesn't want his team "to live and die" with 3-point shots even though the Commodores are averaging almost 25 3-pointers per game. 'Smooth' finally blending in     It had all the makings of a juicy reality TV show.    Charismatic and confident New York City basketball player nicknamed "Smooth" learns to adjust to a drastically different country lifestyle while playing on a college basketball team led by an old-school coach who favors substance over style.   Men's Basketball Pregame Press Conference Quotes - Vanderbilt     Head Coach Tubby Smith    “We’ve obviously been off for a while. It will be interesting to see if we come out sharp tomorrow and ready to play. That’s the tough thing about having a week off at this juncture, this late in the season. But it has probably been helpful for our players. We won’t know that until tomorrow. Hopefully guys will come in with lively legs and be hungry and ready to play. Any time you play Vanderbilt they play pretty physical and pretty aggressive. I know we haven’t really talked about the last game, but we found a way to win at Arkansas and we’re going to have to find a way to win at Vanderbilt. They are playing pretty good with two wins over Ole Miss and then beating Tennessee at home. I’m impressed with the way they’ve been shooting the ball, the way they’ve been defending and mixing up their defenses, which they have done a good job of. Kevin Stallings has changed a lot up and it’s paying dividends for them. They start two freshmen, Shan Foster, who played well here, and Alex Gordon, who played some but is coming off a 30-point performance. Alex Gordon is a guy we’re going to have to pay a lot of attention to. Jason Holwerde, who is really shooting the ball extremely well, is shooting over 60 percent, which is outstanding. When you can bring Mario Moore off the bench, Przybyszewski and some of the other guys who were starting, it makes a big difference. It’s given them a big boost off the bench. Wildcats Wrap Up Road Swing in Music City     Following a midweek break in its schedule, Kentucky returns to SEC action Saturday with a date against Vanderbilt in Nashville. Tipoff is 3:00 p.m. ET and the game will be televised by JP Sports UK hopes 'good vibes' continue     Stallings shuffles Vandy lineup in search of answers To paraphrase Nashville tunesmith John Hiatt, Kentucky and Vanderbilt have distinctly different windows on the world. It's pickin' and grinnin' for Kentucky, which has won 42 of its most recent 45 games against Southeastern Conference teams. Wildcats on track for SEC sweep    If the University of Kentucky's basketball team emerges from Vanderbilt today with a win, the No. 6-ranked Wildcats will be halfway home to a perfect Southeastern Conference record. RUPP RULES THE SEC    Arenas rock at Florida and Vandy, but there's no place like home    Today is a treat. Today is a visit to Memorial Magic. Unfortunately, my new favorite team, the Nashville Rhythm, won't be playing there, but you can't have everything. And in the pigskin-obsessed Southeastern Conference, there are a handful of arenas worth experiencing. Vandy's Memorial Gym is one. Hayes' mask will stay until end of the season    Kentucky forward Chuck Hayes expects to play with a protective mask the rest of the season. "I've been hit five or six times (in the face)," he said yesterday. "I won't take any chances." LINEUPS, STATISTICS    Kentucky Probable starters No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. 44 Chuck Hayes F 6-6 247 Sr. 24 Kelenna Azubuike G-F 6-5 220 Jr. 33 Randolph Morris C 6-10 266 Fr. (2-04-05)       Basketball            Men ESPN: The Player You Should Be Watching: Patrick Sparks     The player you should be watching    In his brief stint with Kentucky, Patrick Sparks has already developed into a Wildcats legend, making an immediate impact with his willingness to take and make the big shot.  New-look 'Dores change pace     For the first 32 minutes of the Jan. 12 UK-Vanderbilt matchup in Lexington, it seemed the visiting Commodores would have an opportunity to win their first-ever game at Rupp Arena. Revamped lineup buoys Commodores     Give Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings some credit for mixing things up with the Commodores, who have won their last two games.   SEC coaches marvel at UK run     The numbers are so staggering, they almost don’t seem real.  Since the 2002-03 basketball season, Kentucky has won 42 of its past 45 games against Southeastern Conference opponents, at home or on the road.  Wildcats' Tubby has his fleet of subs on the rise     When University of Kentucky forward Chuck Hayes went to the bench with foul trouble Saturday at Arkansas, coach Tubby Smith called on Bobby Perry.  Cats better by the bench    RESERVES HAVE OUTSCORED COUNTERPARTS IN 15 GAMES    When a broken nose sent Kentucky tone-setter Chuck Hayes to a Knoxville hospital last week, Major Wingate did not expect Tennessee to automatically proceed to the winner's circle. Tubby's Cats hit turning point on Jan. 14, 2003    SECOND-HALF COMEBACK AT VANDY MARKS UNEXPLAINABLE CROSSROAD    There is an entire academic discipline -- history -- that exists to identify turning points. The Revolutionary War shifted with the Battle of Saratoga; The Civil War turned with the emergence of Ulysses Simpson Grant; The Real World: Las Vegas pivoted when Steven stole Trishelle right from under Frank's nose.        Football On the Dotted line     On Wednesday afternoon, Hopkinsville High School quarterback Curtis Pulley was a little nervous when he spoke the words that many had wanted to hear. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time and I've been leaning toward this university for a long time," he said. "I'd like to announce that I will be attending the University of Kentucky for the next four years of my college career."   Brooks has own rating system     Forget the recruiting ratings. Don't worry about whether a player is a one-star prospect or a five-star can't-miss standout in the prep recruiting rankings.   (2-03-05)       Basketball            Men Bradley making smooth transition    FRESHMAN GETS OVER EARLY FRUSTRATIONS    When Kentucky freshman Ramel Bradley went home to his beloved New York City for Christmas, he thought it might be a one-way trip. Bradley wasn't playing as much or as well as he expected. Like fellow freshman Joe Crawford, he second-guessed his commitment to UK. Kentucky looks to run through conference    When the 2002-03 Kentucky Wildcats ran through the Southeastern Conference to go 16-0 and then 3-0 in the SEC Tournament, it marked the first time in 51 seasons such a feat was accomplished.            Women Washington Co. junior Edelen makes commitment to DeMoss   Junior Brittany Edelen wasn't even sure she heard the words correctly. "Brittany, we'd like you to play for Kentucky." It was almost surreal.        Football Cats nab QB plus some protectors    The University of Kentucky got the quarterback it wanted, as well as some offensive linemen to protect him Smith's return is a boost for the secondary     The Kentucky defense received a big boost with the anticipated return of junior cornerback Bo Smith to the lineup this fall.  Sign of the times     Everyone is waiting ... for a list?    On football signing day, coaches, fans and the media wait with bated breath as the faxes roll in, each bearing the name of the newest recruit. Coach Rich Brooks Signing Day Press Conference Quotes     Openings statement …  “Overall, this class will look pretty good getting off the bus. We have a lot more athleticism and I think we look more like an SEC team. I think that this recruiting class is going to give us a lot of depth on the offensive line that we haven’t had for two years. It will also give us a lot of competition on the offensive line. This class brings some very capable people to the corner position. We’ve got some athletes who are going to be able to do some things in the secondary. I really believe from a strength and size standpoint we have more kids in this recruiting class that are ready to play early in their careers, and now it’s just a matter of whether they’re going to be able to adjust and adapt to the difference in college football vs. high school football. I’m just excited overall about this class.”   Brooks gets his man as Cats sign 31 recruits    When Rich Brooks arrived as the UK football head coach in December 2002, one recruit caught his attention.   Cats land star QB, gigantic linemen     Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks signed only one of the quarterbacks he wanted, but he expressed satisfaction with that player Wednesday, as well as with the Wildcats' efforts to rebuild their offensive line depth.  Brooks hangs on to Pulley, beefs up O-line     Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks knows his recruiting classes haven't been loaded with what recruiting analysts label "five-star" prospects.  (2-02-05)       Basketball            Men KENTUCKY Team Report    Coach Tubby Smith has started the same five players in all 18 games this season, but none is averaging more than 30 minutes per outing on the court. Kalenna Azubuiki averages 28.3 minutes per game to lead the team. The starters are accounting for just under 60 of Kentucky's average of 75 points per game. Subs are accounting for 12.7 rebounds per game to the starters' 24.9.  Kentucky, Louisville define Bluegrass success     Basketball is rolling big-time in the Bluegrass State these days, baby! Are you really shocked?  Kentucky has won six straight games and 12 of its past 13. The Wildcats (16-2, 7-0 SEC) are ranked No. 4 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches poll (also No. 4 in my Jan. 31 V-Poll). Their two losses came against highly ranked North Carolina and Kansas. Hayes not on Wooden team's list    UK forward still could become All-American   Kentucky at Vanderbilt When: 3 p.m. Records: UK 16-2, 7-0 SEC; Vandy 12-8, 3-4 TV: WKYT-27 Perhaps adding insult to injury, Kentucky forward Chuck Hayes did not make the Wooden Award Midseason All-American team.        Football 2005 Football Signing Day     Wednesday marked the official signing day for NCAA football. Click to read about UK's 31 signees and listen to audio of Coach Rich Brooks' press conference. Quarterback Pulley signs with UK    Kentucky's Mr. Football Curtis Pulley will play for the University of Kentucky. 5 southern Pennyrile grid players to sign    Five southern Pennyrile high school football players will be signing their national letter of intent Wednesday on the first day of the national football signing period. QB pursuit comes down to wire     National signing day usually produces its share of Pepto-Bismol moments for college football coaches, and the University of Kentucky's staff better have a case of the pink stuff handy today.  Teammates turning into opponents     They have grown accustomed to being on the same sideline. But that's all about to change. Pulley one step closer to signing with Wildcats    PROSPECT TODD STILL UNDECIDED    Two quarterbacks remain on the radar screen for the University of Kentucky going into today's national signing day. One seems likely to sign with UK this afternoon while another is still undecided. Recruits' breakable pledge of allegiance   When it comes to recruiting, you couldn't blame the University of Kentucky football coaching staff for having a fear of commitment QB pursuit comes down to wire    National signing day usually produces its share of Pepto-Bismol moments for college football coaches, and the University of Kentucky's staff better have a case of the pink stuff handy today. (2-01-05)       Basketball            Men Smith credits staff, players for SEC success     Because Kentucky coach Tubby Smith prides himself on focusing only on his team's next game, he said Monday he had no idea the Wildcats had won 42 of their last 45 Southeastern Conference games. Could Cats go 16-0 in SEC play again?     Can Kentucky go undefeated in Southeastern Conference play? Yes. No. Maybe.   UK finds formula for SEC dominance     KENTUCKY ON 42-3 RUN VS. CONFERENCE FOES    Kentucky is making a parody of college basketball's well-documented parity. Kentucky has won 42 of its last 45 games against Southeastern Conference opponents. Even by UK's stratospheric standards, that's out of this world. Cats move up one spot in AP poll    Just call it a 'Smooth' transition    Ramel Bradley moves closer and closer to the camera until his face occupies the entire screen. UK's basketball program is second to one    The surest way to ignite a sports debate is not to make a list of The Greatest This or Greatest That. The surest way is to find somebody else's list and show why the list is greatly debatable -- especially when it concerns a local landmark. Perry's stock on the rise    In the closing minutes of the University of Kentucky's victory against Arkansas, UK head coach Tubby Smith kept Bobby Perry on the court. The gesture was significant because this wasn't a blowout game with the Wildcats safely ahead.        Football Kentucky adds two commitments     Kentucky picked up two more verbal commitments for its football recruiting class Monday as Ohio lineman Michael Cross and South Carolina defensive end Ventrell Jenkins both said they would sign with the Wildcats Wednesday. Cats lose QB recruit Stull to Pittsburgh    PULLEY CONSIDERING CALLING REVERSE, TOO   The University of Kentucky football coaching staff will most likely spend the final 24 hours leading up to national signing day on pins and needles after seeing one of its top recruits opt out of his commitment and several others express serious interest in other schools. Cats find lineman, lose quarterback    The University of Kentucky football team got a commitment from a South Carolina lineman but apparently has lost out on a highly rated quarterback. 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