March 2002 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (3-31-02)       Baseball Bat Cats Fall 12-2 to No. 15 Ole Miss on Easter Sunday    The University of Kentucky baseball team fell 12-2 to No. 15 Ole Miss in overcast, chilly conditions at Cliff Hagan Stadium on Easter Sunday, March 31. Rebels sweep pair from Bat Cats; softball drops two to Tide    No. 15 Mississippi swept a pair of Southeastern Conference baseball games from Kentucky yesterday at UK's Cliff Hagan Stadium. The Rebels won the opener 9-5 and the second game 5-4.       Basketball Barbour's sacrifice shows he's a team player     By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Player with immediate NBA ambition willingly moves out of position to help his team win. That refreshing scenario unfolded at Wabash Valley Community College this past season and it suggests an attitude upgrade is in store for Kentucky next season.       Football Receiver Bernard feels difference of playing in SEC    Chris Bernard didn't need long to find out the difference between playing junior college football in California and the Southeastern Conference Unlikely friendship cut short    They were the most unlikely of friends. Trent DiGiuro was a white kid from just outside Louisville; Antonio O'Ferral was a black kid from Long Island, N.Y. Bernard hurts ankle, may be out all spring    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER The University of Kentucky completed its first scrimmage of the spring yesterday with a 40-play workout at Nutter Field House. The most significant play of the scrimmage came when wide receiver Chris Bernard came down on his right ankle after safety Mike Williams broke up a pass headed in his direction. Current roster a 'who's that?' of UK football    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Quick test for the die-hard UK football fan: Pick up a copy of the 2002 Spring Football prospectus, and count how many names you don't recognize. (3-30-02)       Baseball Wildcats Rally Late but Fall 5-4 to Rebels at Cliff Hagan Stadium    UK squanders a two-run lead and left seven runners on base as All-America outfielder Burney Hutchinson's three-run homer in the eighth proved the difference in the Cats 5-4 setback. Bat Cats Fall 9-5 to No. 15 Ole Miss    Wildcats squander five-run lead to lose to Rebels       Basketball Chiles remorseful, wants to remain a Cat, mom says    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Adam Chiles is ''very remorseful'' and ''upset at himself,'' the University of Kentucky basketball player's mother said yesterday       Football Pinner should come out running    By Chip Cosby / HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Memo to Artose Pinner: You wanted carries, you're about to get them. Pinner, a 5-foot-11, 223-pound running back from Hopkinsville, has shown flashes during his career at UK. But he's never been able to claim the role of No. 1 back. (3-29-02)       Basketball Cats, Hoosiers in Maui field    Kentucky and Indiana highlight the field for the 2002 Maui Invitational in November. Two other teams in this year's NCAA Tournament, Gonzaga and Utah, will play in Maui as well. Pre-Draft camp not fit for this Prince    By Jerry Tipton / HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Pre-Draft camp not fit for this Prince UK SENIOR's stock high enough to skip portsmouth tryout It seems every college basketball standout is eager to get to -- sound the trumpets -- the next level. But not that eager. 'Scoring machine' likes Cats     By Jerry Tipton / HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    One of the most prolific scorers in Oklahoma high school basketball history. A London-born player whose parents immigrated from Nigeria to Great Britain and then moved to Oklahoma.       Baseball Kentucky and No. 15 Ole Miss to Play Doubleheader Saturday    Friday night's game moved due to heavy rainfall in the Bluegrass Wildcats to Play Host to No. 15 Ole Miss    The University of Kentucky baseball team will play host to No. 15 Ole Miss this weekend in a three-game Southeastern Conference series at Shively Field. The series between the Wildcats (11-12, 2-4 SEC) and Rebels (18-7, 2-4 SEC) will open on Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m. ET, when UK will play its first night game in the newly constructed Cliff Hagan Stadium       Football Pinner opens spring practice with huge opportunity    Kentucky running back Artose Pinner is looking forward to this years spring practice more than any other he can remember. (3-28-02)       Basketball DUKE'S WILLIAMS REPEATS, BUT WILDCAT PRINCE DOES NOT    Kentucky swingman Tayshaun Prince, a John R. Wooden Award All-American last year, was not named to this year's 10-player team. This year's top five vote-getters for the Wooden Award All-American team were, in alphabetical order: Dan Dickau of Gonzaga; Juan Dixon of Maryland; Drew Gooden of Kansas; Steve Logan of Cincinnati and Jason Williams of Duke Former UK stars boost Hornets    Jamaal Magloire is making the most of his opportunity with the Hornets. Magloire, subbing for injured center Elden Campbell, scored 21 points on 8-for-11 shooting to lead the Hornets to their seventh straight win, 111-104 over Orlando last night.       Football Wildcats thin on linemen    Kentucky can't afford injuries    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter  They may have to be the ''Five Blocks of Granite'' for the University of Kentucky football team, and not just because it will be their responsibility to open holes in the running game and protect the quarterback. UK tries to get over proverbial hump     By John clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST The mark was 2-9, but it was close to being better. Kentucky lost to eventual conference champ LSU by four points (at the heartbreaking end), to Mississippi State in Starkville by three (blowing a late, makeable field goal), to always-top-notch Tennessee by three more. Bernard catching on at Kentucky    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Chris Bernard was born and raised in Southern California. So when University of Kentucky offensive coordinator Brent Pease made his first recruiting call to Bernard, the wide receiver admitted the call seemed foreign. Kentucky student athletic trainer Matthew Summers was given the eighth-annual...    Kentucky student athletic trainer Matthew Summers was given the eighth-annual Trent DiGiuro Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship fund was established by friends and family of former UK offensive guard Trent DiGiuro, who died on July 17, 1994. Man found guilty of killing UK player    Jurors convicted Shane Ragland of murder Wednesday in the 1994 sniper-style slaying of a University of Kentucky football player, a crime that went unsolved for more than five years. (3-27-02)       Basketball Turmoil starts again for Wildcats    It took less than 72 hours from the end of the 2001-2002 basketball season at the University of Kentucky to end before the problems for the 2002-2003 season began. Carruth compares numbers    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Players unhappy with their playing time usually ponder the opportunity for greater minutes in future seasons. But Kentucky freshman Rashaad Carruth apparently also has looked into the past to compare his minutes against other first-year UK players. Questions surround Wildcats    Although he'll never again step on the court in a University of Kentucky jersey, Tayshaun Prince expects big things from the Wildcats -- starting next season.       Football Summers Awarded Trent DiGiuro Memorial Scholarship    University of Kentucky student athletic trainer Matthew Summers has been chosen as the winner of the eighth-annual Trent DiGiuro Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship fund was established by friends and family of former UK offensive guard Trent DiGiuro, who died on July 17, 1994. Trent's parents, Mike and Ann DiGiuro, officially established the fund on Oct. 24, 1994. Pulling his weight    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Just call it another episode of "As the Scale Turns," with Jared Lorenzen playing the lead role. In other words, the on-again, off-again saga involving the weight of the Kentucky quarterback is back in full force. The lefty is once again looking hefty    The University of Kentucky opened spring football practice yesterday, which means a weighty topic is back in the news. The Hefty Lefty, quarterback Jared Lorenzen, is overweight. Again. But this time coach Guy Morriss says it's no big deal. Lorenzen in weight fight again    Still, UK names him starting QB     By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Academics are no longer a problem for Jared Lorenzen, but eating too much still is. Boyd puts baseball career on hold    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Shane Boyd is putting his idea of having a baseball career on hold for a month to participate in spring football practice for the University of Kentucky. Cats open spring drills with enthusiasm    University of Kentucky running back Artose Pinner is looking forward to this year's spring practice more than any other he can remember. Numbers will determine UK's placekicker, as Begley, Ruth to compete in spring drills    Numbers will decide who emerges from spring practice as the University of Kentucky's No. 1 placekicker (3-26-02)       Basketball Smith says status of several Wildcats remains up in air    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal    The composition of the University of Kentucky basketball roster for next season remains unsettled, coach Tubby Smith indicated on his radio call-in show last night. You call me a basketball arena    You call me a basketball arena. You named me after the cantankerous old coach who made hoops this state's civic religion. But I am so much more than a gymnasium.  Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith expressed unhappiness    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith expressed unhappiness last night with big man Jason Parker's diligence in rehabilitating a surgically repaired knee. Kentucky basketball players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were placed...    Kentucky basketball players Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels were placed in a diversion program and ordered to perform community service yesterday for attempting to get into a nightclub with fake IDs last month. Parker's rehabilitation effort disappointing to Tubby    Even a University of Kentucky basketball player who didn't set foot on the court in the tumultuous 2001-02 season has found a way to draw the ire of head coach Tubby Smith.       Football UK FOOTBALL  By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Guy Morriss won't have many bodies to work with, but the second-year coach is expecting a productive spring practice when the football team begins drills today. Spring Football Press Conference Quotes    Coach Guy Morriss and many players met with members of the media Tuesday to discuss the upcoming spring practices. Coach Morriss is pleased with the winter conditioning and looks forward to a good spring workout. Redshirt players necessary for Kentucky's football future    Kentucky's top priority in spring football practice is to find out what 15 freshmen who did not play last season can do to help the team next year. (3-25-02)     Basketball 'Tub-by! Tub-by! Tub-by!' It was a season of sound and fury    A lot has been said and written about the season that ended Friday night for the Kentucky Wildcat basketball team. Fitch, Daniels receive community service    UPDATE: The UK basketball players were cited on Feb. 21 after trying to get into a Lexington night club with phony IDs. UK facing personnel questions     By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     It should come as no surprise to University of Kentucky basketball fans that the tumultuous season that ended Friday night will likely lead into a tumultuous off season as well. Barbour's versatility a big bonus to Cats of '03    A few thoughts on the world of sports while watching the Tour Championship from sunny Florida on television and looking outside a Syracuse, N.Y. hotel room to see it snowing under 22 degree temperatures Missed chances haunt Kentucky in loss to Terps    Kentucky had Maryland just where it wanted Friday night.  Sure Kentucky trailed by five points and the seconds were ticking away. Questions abound for Wildcats next season    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    The off-season for Kentucky basketball fans is always a short one. Thoughts of next year and another run at a national championship are never far away Hawkins striving for more consistency next season    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Kentucky point guard Cliff Hawkins believes he made some strides in his play this season, his first as a starter. Inside play spells trouble for Cats    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    It was expected to be Kentucky's strength this season, that relentless, physical interior play that would wear down an opponent.     Baseball Morris Homers Again in 13-3 Loss to Mississippi State    Junior center fielder Seth Morris smacked his third home run in two days to extend his team-leading hit streak to eight games, but it was not enough as Mississippi State overpowered Morris and the Kentucky baseball team, 13-3, at Cliff Hagan Stadium Sunday afternoon. UK Sports: Mississippi State drills Bat Cats 13-3    Matthew Maniscalco and Chad Henry homered and Ron Polk won his 900th game at Mississippi State as the Bulldogs beat host Kentucky 13-3 yesterday. (3-24-02)     Basketball Bogans' play not enough to carry UK past Maryland    Keith Bogans didn't want to talk about the future, not when the present hurt so much. Off-court and off-season changes key    For Kentucky to have a better season next year than it had this season, Tayshaun Prince says the Wildcats have to avoid the off-court distractions they had this year. Offensive struggles cost Kentucky a promising season    Amid all the preseason expectations, Tubby Smith sounded a quiet warning that few heeded. Wildcats' off-season could be a bit turbulent, too    Bogans not alone in having some decisions to make    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     One of the best players in University of Kentucky basketball history bid the Big Blue Nation adieu Friday night, bowing out with a 17-point performance in a 78-68 loss to Maryland in the NCAA East Region semifinals. Cold numbers show all's not well    By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    Not to intrude on the sanctity of hoops, but it was the football coach Bill Parcells who once said if you want to know how well you are doing, look at your record. Right now, Big Blue Nation might be a little uneasy about the view. Smith plans all-inclusive UK review    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    In what promises to be a headline-grabbing spring and summer, Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith predicted many changes before the start of UK's next basketball season. Notebook : Pre-Draft camp not fit for this Prince    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Pre-Draft camp not fit for this Prince UK SENIOR's stock high enough to skip the Portsmouth tryout It seems every college basketball standout is eager to get to -- sound the trumpets -- the next level. But not that eager. UK president heaps praise on Smith    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    After Kentucky's basketball season ended Friday night, university president Lee Todd spoke glowingly of Coach Tubby Smith. Several never learned what it meant to be a Cat    Mark Mathis, Messenger-Inquirer    J.P. Blevins was shooting daggers with his eyes to the corner of his locker room in the wee hours of Saturday.     Baseball Comeback Cats!!!    Morris and Graeter combine for three home runs and seven RBIs to lift UK past MSU Cats and Dogs Split in Doubleheader at Cliff Hagan Stadium    The University of Kentucky baseball team opened its new .2 million Cliff Hagan Stadium with a split in a doubleheader with Mississippi State on Saturday, March 23. The Bulldogs (11-7-1, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) won the opener, 4-2, and the Wildcats (11-11, 2-3 SEC) answered with an 8-7 come-from-behind victory in the second game of the three-game weekend series.   (3-23-02)     Basketball Ex-UK player Pelphrey to coach South Alabama    The Associated Press     MOBILE, Ala. - Florida assistant John Pelphrey, a former University of Kentucky player, was named head basketball coach Friday at the University of South Alabama. Terps end UK's run     Wildcats fade in second half    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     A season in which the University of Kentucky basketball team faltered down the stretch of several of its losses came to a close in a game in which it faltered down the stretch. Wildcats are headed home    Column by The Post's Lonnie Wheeler     If only they were back in their old Kentucky home.   The wintry night before the University of Kentucky basketball team endeavored to salvage its season against top-seeded Maryland, the Wildcats were tucked into their toasty hotel rooms, out of the snow, watching the wild events that were taking place on their home floor and wishing they were there, doing that. UK's turbulent season ends    Tayshaun Prince (21), Rashaad Carruth and Marquis Estill watched from the sideline as the final seconds of their season ticked away. Wildcats' season ends    No jumping around, no excited hugs, no pointing to the stands. Same old problem sends Wildcats home    Mark Mathis, Messenger-Inquirer    The University of Kentucky had so many chances, tons of them, in fact, to upend Maryland and get a chance to play for the Final Four. UK's exit caps off season    Say goodbye to Team Turmoil. Say goodbye to the hot-and-cold shooting, the hotter-and-colder effort, the lack of steady help for Tayshaun Prince and the yo-yo expectations. Wildcats Come Up Short In 78-68 Loss To Terrapins    Juan Dixon scored 19 points in the Terrapins' 78-68 victory over Kentucky in the East Regional semifinals Friday night. Tayshaun Prince scored 17 points to lead Kentucky while Keith Bogans added 15 for the Wildcats. Team Turmoil fails to take advantage of its opportunities     By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    It ended in a final four, but not the right Final Four. It ended, for all intents and purposes, with 10:09 left in the second half of the East Regional semifinal last night. It was there Marquis Estill made a pair of free throws, tying this Sweet 16 contest at 53. And it was there that Kentucky's tumultuous season came to a close. Prince never got to wear the crown    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    In the end, the load was more than his narrow shoulders could bear. Tayshaun Prince finally stumbled beneath the burdens Kentucky placed upon him last night. Guts, but no glory    Cats stay close, still fall to Maryland in East    By Jerry Tipton,  HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    Kentucky cemented its claim on redemption in this NCAA Tournament last night. (3-22-02)     Basketball Kentucky's season rides on one game    One game will define Kentucky's season. Estill pays the price to play for Wildcats    He sits in a corner of a vast locker room in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, ice taped around his left knee.    It's not uncommon for Marquis Estill to have both knees getting chilled. Cats embrace role as underdog    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Kentucky has won seven national championships and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament seven of the last eight years. Cats feel good about Carrier Dome     No Kentucky player had ever taken a shot in the Carrier Dome until Thursday Bilas likes renewed Kentucky purpose in NCAA     Jay Bilas knew better than to think Kentucky could not beat Maryland tonight, even hours before Indiana upset Duke, another NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed, Thursday night. UK needs more than Prince to win    Experience has taught Tayshaun Prince one thing about the NCAA Tournament. Prince topped expectations    Column by The Post's Lonnie Wheeler     We never thought we'd find Tayshaun Prince in this position. The senior. The leader. The heart, soul and substance of the University of Kentucky basketball team. Terps' beef worries UK    'Cats smaller on front line    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter University of Kentucky junior centers Jules Camara and Marquis Estill were a formidable duo against most opposing post players this season, but not usually against ones who were more physical than they were. Prep buddies college foes tonight     Hawkins, Blake played together     By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    They were backcourt mates in high school, but tonight they will find themselves guarding each other. What-could-have-beens    Maryland senior forward Byron Mouton was almost a University of Kentucky Wildcat, while UK junior swingman Keith Bogans could have been a Maryland Terrapin. Terps stand alone    Seven schools - Arizona, Cincinnati, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland and UCLA - have been in every NCAA men's basketball tournament since 1994. Will Cats follow Tar Heels and go from rags to riches?    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Dynasty program slogs through difficult regular season. Dynasty program sees sky-high expectations erode into get-it-over-with resignation. Dynasty program redeems itself by advancing deep into the NCAA Tournament. Pitino's departure changed player's mind    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Maryland small forward Byron Mouton considered not once, but twice to play for Kentucky. Mouton, a top 30 national prospect, committed to UK while a senior at Rayne (La.) High School. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The story's been told    JOHN CLAY, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    The story's been told. The story got told when he first came to Maryland. The story got told when Maryland went to the Final Four. The story got told when Juan Dixon set the school scoring record, when he was named All-American, when he was crowned conference Player of the Year. Coaches generally frown    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Coaches generally frown on teams playing to the level of the competition. But Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith probably would welcome his team continuing that season-long trend tonight in the NCAA Tournament.  Spring snowstorm hitting Syracuse    Think it's gotten colder around Kentucky? If you're heading to Syracuse, N.Y., to watch the Cats play today, you should be prepared for a strong dose of winter. Wildcats have been big-game hunters    And they've got their sights set on the Terrapins     By Rusty Hampton , The Courier-Journal    Slapstick pratfalls threatened to ruin its basketball season, but the University of Kentucky also has shown a knack for seeking out the spotlight. Terrapin wanted to attend UK    By Rusty Hampton and Rick Bozich, The Courier-Journal     When Maryland takes the court for tonight's NCAA East Region game against the University of Kentucky, Terrapins guard Byron Mouton expects to see a sea of blue in the Carrier Dome seats. Blevins- UK will have 'hands full'    University of Kentucky senior J.P. Blevins maybe had the best take on his team's chances tonight against No. 1 seed Maryland in the East Regional semifinal. No. 1 seed Maryland doesn't lack confidence    Mark Mathis, Messenger-Inquirer    Maryland's Juan Dixon looks at the University of Kentucky and understands the team he sees standing in front of him. Barbour leads Wabash to semis    Antwain Barbour's hopes for a second-straight national title are alive and well     Baseball SEC Home Opener vs. Mississippi State Moved to Saturday    The University of Kentucky baseball team will wait another day to open the newly constructed Cliff Hagan Stadium as its game with Mississippi State on Friday, March 22 has been moved to Saturday, March 23 due to winds and cold temperatures in the Bluegrass, Coach Keith Madison announced this morning Wildcats Open New Cliff Hagan Stadium this Weekend vs. Mississippi State    The University of Kentucky baseball team will open its new $4.2 million Cliff Hagan Stadium on Friday, March 22 when it plays host to Mississippi State in a three-game Southeastern Conference series this weekend. (3-21-02)     Basketball Inside, outside guys are keys for Cats    If Tayshaun Prince and Keith Bogans continue their recent trend, Kentucky should have a chance to beat Maryland. UK assistant: Maryland has few weaknesses    Finding a weakness in Maryland has been an almost impossible task for David Hobbs. Duke players say UK-Maryland clash should be 'a great game'    Duke players have seen both Maryland and Kentucky up close and personal Sorry, no sale here. Wins over seeds 12 and 13 didn't seal the deal...    Sorry, no sale here. Wins over seeds 12 and 13 didn't seal the deal, even if they did get you to the Sweet 16, and even if you are the last Southeastern Conference team left standing. At Kentucky, to simply be on your feet midway through March Madness is not quite enough. Tayshaun Prince has enjoyed a week of tribute    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Since "Goose-ing" Kentucky past Tulsa, Tayshaun Prince has enjoyed a week of tribute. "Everybody's saying great things," he said yesterday. "Walking around campus, people say, 'Continue doing the same thing. You guys will be fine.'" Tubby's suddenly all warm and fuzzy     The scowl is gone. So is the searing stare and the bug-eyed glare. It was a new Tubby Smith who prowled the sideline during last week's NCAA Tournament games for the University of Kentucky basketball team. Cats need encore from Prince    The last time Tayshaun Prince scored his career high in an NCAA Tournament game, the next contest wasn't pretty for the University of Kentucky's versatile forward -- or for the Wildcats. Cats will have to crank up the defense against Terrapins    University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith said in the preseason that the Wildcats had the potential to be the best defensive team in the nation. Sizing up the Sweet 16 Heading into this week's NCAA basketball tournament regionals, my bracket sheet looks as if my cats have walked over it with ink on their paws. It's such a disaster area that I'm thinking about applying for federal relief. And if anybody mentions Missouri or the Southeastern Conference to me, my stomach will start feeling like it does when I've had too many chili dogs Prince focus of defense    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     It was in this round of the NCAA Tournament last season that the University of Kentucky's opponents, the Southern California Trojans, decided they weren't going to let Tayshaun Prince beat them, so they double-teamed him whenever Prince touched the ball. Based on his performance Saturday, Prince expects much of the same. New image doesn't fit well    Adjustment is tough for Tubby    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    While much has been made of the softer, gentler side of University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith being the reason for UK's surprising run to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16, Smith said it is tough for him to be that way. Wildcats ride roller coaster    By Don Markus, The Baltimore Sun     University of Kentucky fans are often an emotional barometer for their team, so when most of the tickets for last week's NCAA Tournament games in St. Louis were returned to officials running the sub-regional site, it seemed telling of how the Wildcats had been playing. (3-20-02)     Basketball Prince's last stand keeps Final Four dream alive    When Michigan State ended Kentucky's season in the Midwest Regional final in 1999 in St. Louis, Tayshaun Prince never imagined he would go into the 2002 NCAA Tournament without having played in a Final Four. Bogans' defense critical in Maryland matchup    Keith Bogans came into this season known for his offense and NBA aspirations. UK turning its game up notch    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    As much as the improved scoring of senior forward Tayshaun Prince and junior swingman Keith Bogans led the University of Kentucky basketball team to its two NCAA Tournament wins last week, it was in some often overlooked categories that UK benefited as well. Making shots makes UK's attack look good    A few thoughts on the world of sports from 26,000 feet, somewhere over Indiana in the middle of March.    Kentucky's offense is alive again after making shots in NCAA Tournament wins over Valparaiso and Tulsa last week in St. Louis. Top-seeded Terrapins displaying top form    By Josh Barr, The Washington Post     To anyone who thought Maryland might have peaked during its recent 1 1/2-month winning streak, the Terrapins had a message Sunday. With guard Juan Dixon leading the way, Maryland put on a show, turning a close game into a blowout and advancing to the NCAA Tournament round of 16 for the fourth time in five seasons. She didn't plan on this    She didn't plan on this. Come on, back in her own '70s show, when Debbie Yow was women's basketball coach at Kentucky, the landscape was altogether different. Women were just then becoming college coaches, thanks to Title IX. That was the glass ceiling. No one expected more. The Terrapins have come a long way   By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER In 1989, Gary Williams inherited a Maryland program shaken by the death of Len Bias and burdened by severe NCAA sanctions. The Terrapins have come a long way to Friday night's NCAA Tournament regional semifinal game against Kentucky. Williams has not only returned Maryland to its former glory, he's exceeded it. Bogans back, and so are Cats    Junior guard again attacking basket in NCAA tourney    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Tayshaun Prince was Mr. Everything for the University of Kentucky men's basketball team in Saturday's 87-82 victory over Tulsa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. (3-19-02)     Basketball Wildcats Prepare for Top-Seeded Maryland in Regional Semifinals    With its second-round win over Tulsa, UK advanced to the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in the last eight seasons to face the top-seeded Maryland Terrapins. It's UK's 11th Sweet 16 appearance since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. UK owns an 8-2 record in the regional semifinals during that time. All-time in regional semifinals, Kentucky is 27-9, with last year's loss to Southern Cal snapping an eight-game win streak in regional semifinal action Bogans' revival keyed by new life in NCAAs    Welcome back Keith Bogans.    We knew your dreams were your ticket out, but you should know there is a sigh of relief from Paducah to Prestonsburg that in the cavernous Edward Jones Dome, you rediscovered the shooting touch that made you a very good player last year. A copy of the report that should have been filed late Saturday night...    A copy of the report that should have been filed late Saturday night with Lexington's Urban County Police: MISSING PERSONS REPORT Name of the missing: 2002 Kentucky Wildcats Team Turmoil has given way to Team Triumph     By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER     Team Turmoil has given way to Team Triumph. Why? Maybe because Kentucky basketball changed its Cat-mosphere from tough love to loving support. Cats, Terps will tip off about 9-55 p.m. Friday    The University of Kentucky's East Region semifinal basketball game against top-seeded Maryland will tip off at about 9:55 p.m. EST Friday in the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., NCAA Tournament and CBS-TV officials announced yesterday. Kentucky clubhouse    With six of seven SEC teams eliminated eliminated from the NCAA Tournament and making excuses for their early exits, Kentucky is left to carry the conference banner. Head to Head Analysis - Kentucky V. Maryland     Baseball Kentucky vs. Tennessee Tech Baseball Game Canceled    The University of Kentucky baseball team (10-10, 1-2 SEC) will not play Tennessee Tech (7-9) on Tuesday, March 19 due to heavy rain in Lexington, Coach Keith Madison announced this morning. (3-18-02)     Basketball Cats justify Vitale's pre-NCAA confidence    While others were wondering if Kentucky would even win a game in the NCAA Tournament, Dick Vitale was trying to send a different message. Just like '78, No. 21 lights up St. Louis -- but this was bigger    The more he scored, the more it seemed like 1978. Prince's classic may have Cats back on championship track    The route for a repeat trip to the third round of the NCAA tournament was simple for Kentucky: Get the ball to Tayshaun Prince. Suddenly fearsome foursome    John Clay Herald-Leader Sports columnist    As much as the Road to the Final Four, this NCAA Tournament has become the Road to Redemption. Of the 16 sweet survivors headed into regional semifinals, at least four were predicted powerhouses who suffered chronic brownouts during their tumultuous seasons. For each, grand expectations soured into sweeping disappointments. Reborn Bogans gets shot at Terps    His inspired play rejuvenating UK     By Kevin Goheen, Post staff reporter    Keith Bogans grew up in Alexandria, Va., across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and not much farther away from College Park, Md., home of the University of Maryland. In his three seasons at the University of Kentucky, Bogans has had just one chance to play against the Terrapins, a loss at College Park in his freshman season. Prince now linked with Givens    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Tayshaun Prince only had to go back to his high school days to recall such a prolific scoring day, but University of Kentucky basketball fans have to harken back to 1978 to recall an NCAA Tournament performance as riveting as the career-high 41 points Prince scored Saturday. Maryland awaits rejuvenated Wildcats    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     A 2-0 record in its ''new'' season, the one that matters most, now has the University of Kentucky basketball team thinking it can reach the potential for greatness many analysts had predicted for it before this season began. East Region Tickets/Game Times    The University of Kentucky shares its allotment of tickets to the East Region between students, UK administration and athletics. There will be no public sale of tickets in Lexington. The Cats will take on top-seeded Maryland on Friday, March 22 at approximately 9:55 p.m. ET Terps ride Dixon's 29 to Syracuse    Slender guard a HEAVYWEIGHT AGAIN AS badgers routed 87-57 By David Ginsburg WASHINGTON -- Once deemed too frail to play major college basketball, Juan Dixon proved strong enough to carry top-seeded Maryland back to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.     Baseball Uk sports    24th-ranked Auburn shuts out Bat Cats 5-0 Auburn right-hander Colby Paxton pitched a one-hit shutout and the No. 24 Tigers beat UK 5-0 in the rubber match of the teams' SEC opening series. (3-17-02)     Basketball Prince comes out of slump with authority    The Associated Press     A career-high 41 points didn't satisfy Tayshaun Prince, who broke out of his shooting slump with authority. Prince the real hurricane    Tayshaun Prince, left, got a hug from teammate Keith Bogans after the Wildcats beat Tulsa to advance to Friday's East Region semifinals in Syracuse, N.Y. Call him 'Goose, Jr.' after this    The game ended with the ball exactly where it belonged: in the hands of Tayshaun Durell Prince, king of all indoors yesterday Prince was the difference    By C. L. Brown,The Courier-Journal     Tayshaun Prince's career-high 41 points was not only enough to lift the University of Kentucky into the Sweet 16. It was enough to overshadow arguably the most complete game played by the University of Tulsa this season. Donna Smith goes with Wildcats, gets phone-in on son's game    The Courier-Journal     Donna Smith was torn between attending two games yesterday. The wife of University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith had to choose between the Wildcats' NCAA Tournament game against Tulsa and son Brian's game in which his Lexington Catholic team played Paducah Tilghman in Lexington's Rupp Arena for the state high school title. Too much, by almost half     By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST The numbers are the same, but it was different, much different. A different time, a different team, a different set of circumstances. With Bogans back, duo is dynamic again    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER Sports columnist    Tayshaun Prince knew who he needed to hug. The long, lanky Californian had completed one of the great performances in the glorious history of Kentucky basketball. Princely sum: 41    Cats ride senior's hot hand past Tulsa, 87-82 UK could face Maryland in next round     By Jerry Tipton,  HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Call it Kentucky basketball's ultimate left-handed compliment East: Prince rescues Kentucky    Tayshaun Prince scores career-high 41 points as Wildcats edge Tulsa 87-82. Repentant Fitch has Georgia on his mind    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Repentant Fitch has Georgia on his mind UK guard eager to redeem himself if cats make final four trip As homecomings go, Gerald Fitch found Kentucky's trip to Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference Tournament a house arrest. Crisp Cats shaking inconsistencies    By Jerry Tipton , HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    In beating Tulsa 87-82 in the NCAA Tournament second round yesterday, Kentucky continued to distance itself from an inconsistent regular season.     Baseball Kentucky's late rally comes up short in 4-3 loss at Auburn     The University of Kentucky baseball team rallied for runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings yesterday, but fell short in a 4-3 loss at No. 24 Auburn. (3-16-02)     Basketball Kentucky Postgame Notes    Tayshaun Prince led the Wildcats with a career-high 41 points against Tulsa. The 6-9 senior drained 14-of-21 shots and became the first player in more than 12 years to pass the 40-point mark at UK. Prince springs for 41 as Kentucky downs Tulsa    Prince becomes king       Kentucky star scores 41 to help put away Tulsa    A career-high 41 points didn't satisfy Tayshaun Prince, who broke out of his shooting slump with authority. Prince Has Day Fit for a King    Kentucky senior makes six three-pointers and scores career-high 41 points to lead fourth-seeded Wildcats past Tulsa, 87-82. Prince Powers 'Cats Past Tulsa, 87-82    To say Tayshaun Prince's shooting slump is over is an understatement. Kentucky's lone senior starter went 14-for-21 from the field to score a career-high 41 points, leading the fourth-seeded Wildcats to an 87-82 victory over Tulsa in the second round of the East Regional on Saturday Kentucky 87, Tulsa 82    By R.B. FALLSTROM,AP Sports Writer    To say Tayshaun Prince's shooting slump is over is an understatement.    Kentucky's lone senior starter went 14-for-21 from the field to score a career-high 41 points, leading the fourth-seeded Wildcats to an 87-82 victory over Tulsa in the second round of the East Regional on Saturday. 'Cats Smell "Sweet" Victory    Tayshaun Prince had a career-high 41 points en route to a 87-82 Kentucky win against No. 12 Tulsa. The Wildcats advance to the Sweet 16 for the sixth time in seven years. UK seeks repeat performance    The real key for UK might not be how it boxes out or defends but how it overcomes its tendency to follow a good performance with a clunker -- especially against teams it's favored to beat. UK's focus back on basketball    The best soap opera in college basketball this season has been the University of Kentucky. It has been dubbed Team Turmoil and been the subject of numerous stories coming out of this first-round NCAA Tournament site. Smith gives his Wildcats a warning    By Mark Mathis, Messenger-Inquirer    Tubby Smith has given his University of Kentucky team the speech. The one about when he was at Tulsa in 1994 and was going up against UCLA in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Hurricane wins big with different coaches    When Kentucky takes the floor today against Tulsa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats will face a team that is no stranger to success. Hurricane upset with disrespect    By Kevin Goheen, Post staff reporter     The word ''upset'' does just that to Greg Harrington. The Tulsa senior guard doesn't want to hear how the 12th-seeded Golden Hurricane weren't even supposed to be playing No. 4-seed Kentucky in today's East Regional second-round game at the Edwin Jones Dome. TULSA- Looking to stun Kentucky    By Larry Lewis, The Oklahoman    Since Tubby Smith started Tulsa’s remarkable success in the NCAA Tournament, perhaps it is fitting that he continues to be linked with the Golden Hurricane. The only way Tulsa guards have come up short is in height    BY STU DURANDO, St. Louis Post-Dispatch    The defensive assignments for Tulsa's five starters were written on a board in the locker room when the Golden Hurricane faced Texas A&M, just as they are before every game. Fond memories for Smith at Tulsa    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     There's little doubt that University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith looks back at his tenure at Tulsa fondly and he seemed to appreciate the chance to reminisce about those days Friday. Smith knows upsets    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     His team has had a hard time all season focusing on playing lesser opponents, but all University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith needed to do to remind it about overlooking No. 12 seed Tulsa today is tell them a story about an overlooked Tulsa team he once coached. Tubby Smith Prepares for Reunion    By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer    Tubby Smith knows firsthand how dangerous Tulsa can be. The Kentucky coach led the Golden Hurricane to consecutive round of 16 appearances in the mid-1990s, and he's warily anticipating meeting his former team Saturday in the second round of the NCAA East Regional. Tubby's entrance got Tulsa rolling     By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST     In a time long ago and a galaxy far away, Tubby Smith got his first head coaching job in college basketball. It was at -- drumroll please -- Tulsa. One victory, countless returns    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER Sports columnist    Win today, and Kentucky's season on the brink finally yields a substantial positive. Win today, and Kentucky's coach has the ammunition to tell all zealots carping about '38 losses in the last four seasons' to put a sock in it. Cats insist lesson learned    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Uh-oh. Kentucky is not painted into a corner, its collective back is not against a wall and, worst of all, it's coming off one of its better performances of the season. Tulsa coach Phillips already has 'dream job'    By Jim Pickens, Messenger-Inquirer    John Phillips didn't acquire an inflated sense of self following Tulsa's riveting 71-69 NCAA Tournament upset of Marquette here Thursday, and he won't get the big head if the Golden Hurricane stun Kentucky this afternoon. Tulsa may finally have found coach for long haul    By C. L. Brown, The Courier-Journal     University of Tulsa men's basketball coach John Phillips was speaking about the influence of former coach Tubby Smith on the Golden Hurricane program when he was asked how he would like to be remembered. Tulsa coach plans to stay a while    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Despite a revolving door to the coach's office, Tulsa has become a fixture in the NCAA Tournament. This year marks the Golden Hurricane's seventh bid in the last nine years. In that time, four head coaches have guided the program.     Baseball Cats top Auburn 3-1 in SEC opener    Joseph Blanton allowed seven hits and one run to give Kentucky a 3-1 win over Auburn in their Southeastern Conference opener last night. Kentucky Falls Short at No. 24 Auburn    The University of Kentucky baseball team scored a run in each of the sixth, seventh and eighth innings but fell short at No. 24 Auburn, losing 4-3 in front of 3,023 fans at Plainsman Park Saturday. (3-15-02)     Basketball Fans see the 'true' Wildcats    The new, lovable Kentucky Wildcats think they are finally ready to play like the team everyone thought they would be this season Kentucky's defense impresses Valparaiso    As good as the Kentucky offense was the first half, the defense might have been even better. Turmoil? Wildcats nothing but terrific in NCAA tournament opener    Rarely is an opening round win in the NCAA Tournament a cause for celebration, but rarely has there been a year like this one for the Kentucky Wildcats. Confident Bogans finds shooting touch    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    The first 3-point shot Keith Bogans attempted Thursday against Valparaiso in the opening round of the East Regional spun around the basket and slid out. Tulsa ready to take on Wildcats    Tulsa not only wants to play Kentucky, but thinks it should beat the Wildcats. Tulsa will pit Tubby against team he first coached    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Tubby Smith started his head coaching career at Tulsa.  On Saturday, he will try and end Tulsa's season in the quarterfinals of the East Regional in the NCAA Tournament. Hayes and father share bond    It didn't take long for Charles Hayes to know he made the right decision coming here. Wildcats Advance to Face Tulsa In 2nd Round    No. 4 Kentucky earned an 83-68 victory over No. 13 Valparaiso on Thursday to advance to the NCAA Tournament's second round for the 11th consecutive season. The Wildcats will face Tulsa, which beat Marquette, 71-69. Overlooked UK topples 'favorite'    By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    This is what happens when you don't come ready to play, when you let your opponent hit some shots, grab some rebounds, start believing in themselves, and all of a sudden, it's Upset city, baby! Cats repel Crusaders    Welcome to Missouri, the ''Show Me'' state. Welcome to the NCAA Tournament, where the University of Kentucky basketball team showed everyone it isn't dead yet. UK rout leaves joke on us    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    They tease us. Lord, how they tease us. Over and over and over, we are Charlie Brown. And these Kentucky Wildcats are Lucy. No SEC hangover; Kentucky rolls past Valpo     Keith Bogans scored 21 points as fourth-seeded Kentucky opened up a huge lead and never looked back in an 83-68 victory over No. 13 Valparaiso in an East Region first-round matchup. UK's Bogans earns the honor    Primetime Performances --Kentucky's Keith Bogans     When junior Keith Bogans joined teammate Tayshaun Prince in taking his name out of NBA Draft consideration last May, it was considered a major coup for Kentucky. The Wildcats had their two big guns back, and were expected to contend for another national championship. Cats zap Valpo in opener    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Despite doubting prognosticators (and maybe because of them), Kentucky advanced in the NCAA Tournament yesterday. UK's mode of transportation to round two? The same roller coaster that took the Cats on a stomach-churning trip through the regular season. Kentucky Pulls It Together    East: Wildcats regroup after season of dysfunction to take out Valparaiso. Kentucky Moves On In The NCAA Tournament    All disorder disappears when Kentucky steps on court for the first round of the NCAA tournament. Kentucky Advances After 83-68 Victory Over Valparaiso    Even Kentucky's recent troubles on and off the court couldn't derail its first-round roll. Keith Bogans had 21 points, and Tayshaun Prince made up for poor shooting with strong defense, leading the Wildcats to their 12th straight opening victory in the NCAA tournament, 83-68 over Valparaiso on Thursday. Cats Cruise To Second Round    Keith Bogans had 21 points, and Tayshaun Prince made up for poor shooting with strong defense, leading the Wildcats to a 12th straight opening-round victory, 83-68 over Valparaiso on Thursday Bogans does his usual dancing      Well, look what the Cats dragged in.  Keith Bogans, back from Shooter's Hell. Just in time for prime time. Daniels played like he was in the 'zone'    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    One of Kentucky's most versatile reserves, Erik Daniels, credited Valparaiso's zone defense for his productive game yesterday. Cats' Fitch isn't rusty on defense    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal     Missing four of the last five games for disciplinary reasons did little to erode Gerald Fitch's defensive instincts, but the University of Kentucky guard isn't sure the same can be said for his shooting touch. Tubby will face his old school    By Kevin Goheen, Post staff reporter    Tubby Smith has fond memories of Tulsa. It's the school where he received his first head coaching job, a school he led to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in 1994 and '95. His success at Tulsa led to the coaching job at Georgia and, eventually, his present post as the head man at the University of Kentucky. Prince's "D' gives UK a lift    By Kevin Goheen, Post staff reporter    Tayshaun Prince had a more difficult time explaining his defensive play than he did executing it, which is the way University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith would prefer it. Upset predictions fire up 'Cats    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Members of the University of Kentucky basketball team took it as an insult that several basketball analysts had picked Valparaiso to upset the Wildcats in Thursday's first-round NCAA Tournament game. And the Wildcats used that as motivation. Bogans steps up for UK    'Cats defense stifles Valpo    Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    There's something about the NCAA Tournament that seems to bring out the best in Keith Bogans and his best seemed to bring out the best in his University of Kentucky teammates Thursday.     Baseball Blanton Throws Complete Game to Lead Cats Past No. 24 Auburn, 3-1    Junior right-hander Joseph Blanton pitched his second complete game in a row and Coach Keith Madison earned his 250th Southeastern Conference win as the University of Kentucky baseball team won its league opener, 3-1, over No. 24 Auburn at Plainsman Park Friday night (3-14-02)     Basketball Scouting the Golden Hurricane's team page    As upset shows, Tulsa keeps thriving amid coaching changes    Dennis Dodd, SportsLine.com Senior Writer    Headhunters haven't been able to kill Tulsa yet. Bogans, defense bring order to Wildcats    The Associated Press    All disorder disappears when Kentucky steps on court for the first round of the NCAA tournament. Wildcats Roll Over Valparaiso In NCAA First Round, 83-68    Keith Bogans had 21 points, and Tayshaun Prince made up for poor shooting with strong defense, leading the Wildcats to their 12th straight opening victory in the NCAA tournament, 83-68 over Valparaiso on Thursday. Kentucky, seeded fourth in the East Regional, came into the tournament having dropped four of its last nine games. But the Wildcats (21-9) played Thursday as though they didn't have a care in the world. Kentucky 83, Valparaiso 68    Kentucky found a way to put aside its turmoil in its opening game in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky 83, Valparaiso 68    By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer     Even Kentucky's recent troubles on and off the court couldn't derail its first-round roll. UK Fans Get Fired Up As NCAA Tourney Begins    March Madness is officially underway, with four teams from the Kentuckiana area going to the Big Dance, including the Kentucky Wildcats versus Valparaiso. WAVE 3's Kent Taylor reports from St. Louis. Fitch shoulders blame, says he won't leave Kentucky    Gerald Fitch made it clear Wednesday about where he wants to finish his college basketball career. Carruth learning through UK's up-and-down season    Freshman Rashaad Carruth says this has been a "learning" season for him at the University of Kentucky. Valpo's nice-guy coach finishing far from last    By John Clay, Herald-Leader Sports Columnist In the insufferable effort to promote the Sunday slice of bad television that was ESPN's Season on the Brink, Brian Dennehy was constantly on our cable screens, spitting out some bombastic bromide. Cats set to swat upset ideas    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER Talk about down-sizing! A Kentucky team that shouldered Final Four-or-bust expectations in October enters NCAA Tournament play saddled as the trendy pick to be upset in the first round. Notes: Fitch regrets doing 'crazy stuff'    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    The sight of teammate Gerald Fitch walking around campus Saturday night moved Kentucky freshman Chuck Hayes to action. Fitch returns to lineup    Guard says he let down team    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter There's little doubt how important sophomore guard Gerald Fitch is to the University of Kentucky basketball team's chances of making a run in the NCAA Tournament, which is why freshman forward Chuck Hayes tried to drive home a point with him Saturday night. Shirt tales    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    In Somerset, Linda Biggs has a particular UK T-shirt that reminds her of a most embarrassing moment. Yet wearing it always makes her smile. Cats seek one more mulligan    Forget about the past. Concentrate on the future. The NCAA Tournament will begin today for the troubled Cats (209) with a 12:25 p.m. EST East Region opener against Valparaiso (25-7) in the Edward Jones Dome. Get out '92 film; Cats need to see it    If there's one thing this annoying University of Kentucky basketball team could use here at tipoff of the NCAA Tournament, it's a history lesson. Bowling draws 'Cats closer    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Better chemistry through bowling? The University of Kentucky basketball team has been trying to find more ways to bond with each other in hopes of making something out of a disappointing season to date, and one of those ways has been by going bowling. Kentucky hoping worst is over    The Associated Press     After a tumultuous regular season, Kentucky is taking nothing for granted in the NCAA tournament. It's simple- Cats have to score    Teams that win NCAA Tournament games usually have to defend and shoot the basketball. (3-13-02) Ivy has decided not to sue, lawyer says    By Tom Lasseter and Linda B. Blackford, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    Told to quit or be fired, former University of Kentucky Athletics Director Larry Ivy last week decided he wasn't going quietly. He refused to step down that day, March 4, and was fired by UK President Lee Todd later that day. Ivy: UK panel sought reasons to justify firing    Larry Ivy yesterday accused a UK committee of just looking for reasons to justify firing him.     Basketball Valpo, UK present good matchups    Just because Kentucky had two 13-point losses in its final three games doesn't mean Valparaiso is expecting to face a struggling team Thursday. Can UK contend for title?    Again today, Tubby Smith is going to tell anyone who wants to listen that Kentucky can be a factor in the NCAA Tournament. UK must find net to have a shot    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith made a frightening comment this week about his team's chances in the NCAA Tournament. "It's all about making shots," he said. Kentucky's lowest three-point totals Valpo goes global in pursuit of top-shelf basketball talent    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Beleaguered Kentucky may feel as if the whole world is conspiring to ruin its NCAA Tournament hopes Thursday. UK's first-round opponent, Valparaiso, has six players who grew up outside the continental United States. Crusaders feature international cast    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     The last time Valparaiso played an NCAA Tournament game in St. Louis, a 6-foot guard named Mike Nelke sat in the stands and became so enamored with the Crusaders that he's now a member of coach Homer Drew's team. Valpo goes global for size    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Homer Drew's first few seasons as basketball coach at tiny Valparaiso University were spent starting undersized players on his frontline and struggling to win games, which is when he chose to look elsewhere to find some size and struck gold - in foreign countries. Oak Hills grad helped Valpo    First NCAA trip was in '96     By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    It's old hat now for Valparaiso University's basketball team to play in the NCAA Tournament, but it was just a few short years ago that it made its first appearance and it was an Oak Hills High School graduate who helped get the Crusaders there. Drew still sees UK as dangerous    While many University of Kentucky basketball fans are down on the Wildcats (20-9) after they stumbled down the stretch, Valparaiso coach Homer Drew says he thinks they can be dangerous, especially after getting knocked out of the Southeastern Conference Tournament in the quarterfinal round by South Carolina. Valpo has edge on Cats in chemistry    When it comes to team chemistry, Kentucky and Valparaiso are barely on the same periodic table of elements. Valparaiso has plenty. Kentucky doesn't.      Baseball Bat Cats Score Two in the Eighth to Defeat Austin Peay, 4-3, at Applebee's Park    The University of Kentucky baseball team came back to score two runs in the bottom of the eighth to defeat Austin Peay, 4-3, at Applebee's Park Wednesday. Scott Wade (3-2) came in relief to earn the win as the Wildcats (9-8), now 10-2 in the series with the Governors (7-6), improved to 5-3 in one-run games      Football UK football will get boost in Beach    By Mike Fields, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER The University of Kentucky's football image has been sullied by some questionable characters the past couple of years, but it is about to get a dose of unquestioned character. (3-12-02) UK offers Ivy tickets if he won't sue school     By Linda B. Blackford and Tom Lasseter, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    Despite his criticism of University of Kentucky sports officials' trading tickets for cars, President Lee Todd offered former Athletics Director Larry Ivy four season basketball and football tickets in exchange for not suing the school. Letter: Todd fired Ivy    UK President Lee Todd fired athletic director Larry Ivy the day before Ivy's retirement was announced.      Basketball Inside play key for Cats    Whether Kentucky can win its first-round NCAA Tournament game may depend more on how well UK's inside players perform than any other factor. Fitch situation still confusing    The more Tubby Smith talks about Gerald Fitch, the more confusing it gets. Valpo has leg up on UK in chemistry    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER When it comes to team chemistry, Kentucky and Valparaiso are barely on the same periodic table of elements. Valparaiso has plenty. Kentucky-doesn't. Tubby- Fitch's in, Chiles is still out    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal     Adam Chiles is still suspended. Gerald Fitch is not. And the soap opera continues for the University of Kentucky basketball team, which begins NCAA Tournament play Thursday in St. Louis with an East Region game against Valparaiso. Fitch Expected to play in NCAAs    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith finally revealed on Monday the reason sophomore guard Gerald Fitch didn't play in Friday's Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal game against South Carolina and blamed the situation as a reason the Wildcats lost. NCAA run still possible for UK    Fate not tied to SEC tourney    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Is the University of Kentucky basketball team, or any other team that flamed out earlier than expected in their respective conference tournaments, capable of regrouping in time to make a long run in the NCAA Tournament? (3-11-02)      Basketball Cats can't complain over NCAA seeding    If you got to choose which of these teams you were going to face in the NCAA Tournament, which one would you pick: Facing Kentucky will motivate Valparaiso    Playing Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament will motivate, not intimidate, Valparaiso University. UK Game Times Announced    Fourth-seeded Kentucky will tip off with 13th-seeded Valparaiso at 12:25 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. They will conduct a mandatory open practice at the Dome on March 13 at 2:10 p.m. CT. Duke No. 1 in final AP poll; UK 16th    By JIM O'CONNELL, AP Basketball Writer     Duke moved back into the No. 1 spot in the AP college basketball poll Monday, a record fourth straight year the Blue Devils were on top of the final rankings of the season. Madness matchups    Smith says Fitch benched because of curfew violation    The Associated Press     Kentucky guard Gerald Fitch did not play during a first-round loss in the Southeastern Conference tournament because of a curfew violation. UK Opens NCAA Play with Valparaiso   Kentucky makes its national-record 43rd NCAA Tournament appearance against the Valparaiso Crusaders on Thursday, March 14, in St. Louis. Kentucky is the No. 4 seed in the East. Should the Wildcats advance to regional semifinal action, they will play in Syracuse on a Friday-Sunday schedule. Reality likely to bite UK, UCLA, IU    Mark Story Herald-Leader sports columnist    The NCAA Tournament has always been the ultimate in reality TV. Three big-name teams (combined 23 NCAA titles) primed to make early exits. About the Opponent    Coach: Homer Drew (14th season, 235-184) Location: Valparaiso, Ind. Conference: Mid-Continent (regular-season and tournament championships) NCAA made sense with 'pod' bracketing -  Roy Williams will be crying again    NCAA made sense with 'pod' bracketing Roy Williams will be crying again. Only this time, Kansas' emotional coach won't be shedding a million tears after his overrated Jayhawks have lost another early-round NCAA Tournament game. This time, Roy's tear ducts will spill over as he's snipping the nets in the Georgia Dome on April 1. UK, Valparaiso in opening round    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER     Superstition holds that 13 is an unlucky number. But Valparaiso, which plays Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament first round Thursday, embraced its No. 13 seed. The Wildcats will advance to the first round of the East Regional playoffs    By Ty Tagami, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER     The Wildcats will advance to the first round of the East Regional playoffs in St. Louis on Thursday, and fans who want to follow them -- and Western Kentucky University's men's team, which plays there too -- have several options. Valparaiso dangerous for Kentucky    It will be a tough road for the University of Kentucky basketball team in the NCAA Tournament to keep from turning a season full of madness even before March began into one that ends in sadness, and it begins against one of the tournament's all-time Cinderella schools. UK (20-9) earned the No. 4 seed in the East Regional and will face 13th-seed Valparaiso (25-7) on Thursday at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis in a first-round game. UK allotted 350 tickets    The University of Kentucky will receive 350 tickets to the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament in St. Louis. The seats will be split between administration, athletics and students. Kentucky teams face early tests in NCAA    Jim Pickens, Messenger-Inquirer    March Madness accelerated at a rapid pace on Selection Sunday, and the commonwealth's three representatives in the NCAA Tournament -- Kentucky, Western Kentucky and Murray State -- have their work cut out for them if they expect to play beyond the first weekend.       Baseball Wildcats Travel North to Battle Buckeyes    Ohio State Notes in PDF Format    The University of Kentucky will head north across the Ohio River on Tuesday, March 12, as the Wildcats travel up to Ohio State for a non-conference doubleheader at OSU's Buckeye Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET   (3-10-02) University of Kentucky President Lee Todd said it appears that Larry Ivy did not report a gift from a booster club    University of Kentucky President Lee Todd said it appears that Larry Ivy did not report a gift from a booster club. Ivy, UK's former athletics director, received a $7,500 stereo system from the Committee of 101, a UK booster group, Todd said last week. Ivy, Newton traded tickets for UK services    By Tom Lasseter and Linda B. Blackford, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    A couple of years back -- he can't say whether it was 1998 or 1999 -- University of Kentucky sports booster and construction company owner Jerry Woodall did about $125,000 worth of work, free of charge, on the UK soccer fields off Alumni Drive. Consultant offers three types of ADs for UK    Jerry Tipton, Herald-Leader Staff Writer    If UK President Lee Todd hires a consulting firm to help in the search for an athletic director, Joe Dean wants the job.       Basketball Marching orders    Duke was seeded No. 1 for the NCAA tournament for a record fifth straight year, joined atop the regional brackets by top-ranked Kansas, Maryland and Cincinnati. Take a look at where area teams landed: Team Seed Region Opp. When/Where Kentucky 4 East Valparaiso Thu/St. Louis Indiana 5 South Utah Thu/Sacramento Western Ky. 9 Midwest Stanford Thu/St. Louis Murray St. 14 East Georgia Fri/Chicago Wildcats To Face Valparaiso In 1st Round Of NCAA Tournament  | UK Tournament News and Notes | Quotes     The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team were selected as the fourth seed in the East Region on Sunday. They will face the Valparaiso Crusaders on Thursday in St. Louis, Mo. Kentucky's bizarre season will not last much longer    The good news about Kentucky's bizarre basketball season is that it won't last much longer. UK's loss to South Carolina 'embarrassing'    Seniors Tayshaun Prince and J.P. Blevins didn't mince any words about Kentucky's play. Prince deserves better than dysfunctional team    John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS WRITER    I feel sorry for Tayshaun Prince. Kentucky's star could have departed after last season when the reigning SEC Player of the Year submitted his name for the NBA Draft, only to pull out and return to campus for his senior year. No word's only word on Wildcats' latest drama    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     University of Kentucky basketball fans confused and angered by the latest distractions to befall the Wildcats shouldn't feel alone. Turmoil casts doubts on Cats    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    ATLANTA -- Considering the timing and the potentially toxic carry-over into March Madness, the 70-57 loss to South Carolina Friday night might have been Kentucky's worst performance in years. UKs loss to SC worst in years    By Jerry Tipton,  HERALD-LEADER SPORTS WRITER      Considering the timing and the potentially toxic carry-over into March Madness, the 70-57 loss to South Carolina Friday night might have been Kentucky's worst performance in years. Basketball Notebook    Consultant offers three types of ADs for UK If UK President Lee Todd hires a consulting firm to help in the search for an athletic director, Joe Dean wants the job.       Baseball Stewart Smacks Game-Winning Double to Lift Cats Over Ball State in 10 Innings    Sophomore Caleb Stewart smacked a two-out double off the right field wall to score Brad Pickrell in the bottom of the 10th inning and give the University of Kentucky baseball team a 6-5 comeback victory over Ball State in frigid, windy weather conditions at Applebee's Park Sunday afternoon. Bat Cats Fall 22-5 to Ball State in Rain-Delayed Game at Applebee's Park    The University of Kentucky baseball team (7-8) fell 22-5 to Ball State (2-4) in a one-hour rain-delayed game at Applebee's Park Saturday afternoon. The 17-run margin was the most in a UK loss since an 18-0 setback to Florida at Cliff Hagan Stadium on April 8, 2000. (3-09-02)      Basketball No. 12 Cats knocked off    UK falls to South Carolina 70-57    Kentucky's run of dominance in the Southeastern Conference Tournament is over. Fitch watches listless Wildcats lose    Kentucky was outhustled, dominated from the perimeter and overwhelmed by a stifling defense. Wildcats Lose To South Carolina, 70-57, In SEC Tourney    South Carolina ended a 12-game losing streak to the 12th-ranked Wildcats with a surprising 70-57 victory Friday night in the SEC quarterfinals. Kentucky had won eight of the past 10 league tournaments, including last year's, and lost only twice in its last 28 tournament games. Kentucky's Tayshaun Prince got into early foul trouble but scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half. Freshman Chuck Hayes got his first double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Kentucky Loses Second Round Contest With Gamecocks     South Carolina ended a 12-game losing streak to Kentucky in Friday night's SEC second round contest. Toubling season leaks into March    John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS WRITER    By now, it has grown more than just a little bit tiring. This might be March, but it is still clearly, sadly, unbelievably Team Turmoil. Suspensions. Intrigue. Mysterious benchings. Last night, Kentucky's post-season debut looked much like its regular season. Too much. Way too much. Big Blue bombs, 70-57    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Same old same old terminated Team Turmoil from the Southeastern Conference Tournament last night. A Catlanta coup    Aaron Lucas beat Kentucky's Cliff Hawkins to a loose ball in the first half, when South Carolina built a 35-27 lead that the Wildcats never really threatened the rest of the night. March is a mess for these Wildcats    Rick Bozich, Courier Journal    March is supposed to be marvelous. March is supposed to be magnificent. March is supposed to be magic. Wildcats eliminated in SEC    Fitch remains on UK bench     By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The turmoil that the University of Kentucky basketball team carried with it throughout the regular season followed it right into postseason and helped lead to the Wildcats getting bounced from the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Friday. (3-08-02) Interim AD glad he's just interim    Terry Mobley prides himself on one firm, fast rule. Call him, e-mail him, shout at him walking down the street, it doesn't matter:      Basketball No team possesses resume like Cats    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Kentucky will get a chance to beat South Carolina three times in the same season for the second straight year. Smith taking care not to sap Wildcats    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER     One practice a day. No media questions for a week. Kentucky hopes lighter physical and mental workloads make for fresh and frisky Cats in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Kentucky hopes to be fresh and frisky Cats in SEC tourney    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER     One practice a day. No media questions for a week. Kentucky hopes lighter physical and mental workloads make for fresh and frisky Cats in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. 'Always serious' UK set for SEC shootout    SEC Tournament; Time for eliminating distractions is now, Wildcats' coach says     By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     A regular season filled with off-the-court distractions reached a happy conclusion for the University of Kentucky when the Wildcats fought off Florida 70-67 Saturday in an emotional Senior Day at Rupp Arena. Fits of frustration surrendered to tears of joy. Wildcats look to extend streak    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The University of Kentucky basketball team will be trying to win its 13th straight game against South Carolina tonight when the two teams play in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Bogans' chance to atone    He's been best in postseason    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Tonight begins Keith Bogans' chance at redemption for a regular-season that went awry, and if past history is an indicator, he may be able to earn it. UK's Bogans due to break slump    This week a year ago, Keith Bogans' spectacularly productive play helped lead Kentucky to the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship.       Baseball Blanton Strikes Out Career-High 16 in 3-2 Win Over Ball State    Junior right-hander Joseph Blanton (2-1) struck out a career-high 16 batters and pitched the first complete game of the season for the Wildcats as the University of Kentucky baseball team held off Ball State, 3-2, at Applebee's Park Friday.   (3-07-02) One of the most telling revelations in Lee Todd's Tuesday presentation...    One of the most telling revelations in Lee Todd's Tuesday presentation came when the University of Kentucky president reported just one university dean owned tickets in the lower part of Rupp Arena. Todd's plan on hold until basketball ends    On Tuesday, University of Kentucky President Lee Todd laid out a hefty agenda for cleaning up the UK sports department, including replacing retired Athletics Director Larry Ivy.      Basketball Smith hopes UK will raise level of play    Three of his four seasons at Kentucky, the Wildcats have won the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Hawkins aims to get attention of defenses    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    Late in Saturday's 70-67 win over Florida, Cliff Hawkins accepted the ultimate insult and made the Gators pay dearly. Nail-biters sum up SEC season    More than half of the Southeastern Conference's regular-season games were decided by seven or fewer points and/or in overtime this year. Kentucky has no shot to go to the 2002 Final Four. Umm, I wouldn't...    Kentucky has no shot to go to the 2002 Final Four. Umm, I wouldn't bet the house on that -- other than Kansas, Maryland and Duke, you still can't name a fourth team with clearly better players than UK's John Pelphrey next WVU Coach?    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER   Former Kentucky player John Pelphrey might be West Virginia's next basketball coach Sometimes a basketball coach needs the skills of a diplomat    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    For Tubby Smith, yesterday was one of those times.    Smith thanked his former bosses, Larry Ivy and C.M. Newton, for past support while saying that he will do all he can to make the athletics reforms implemented by Kentucky President Lee Todd a success. Wildcats about to set sail in unpredictable waters    By Rusty Hampton ,The Courier-Journal     The University of Kentucky has dominated the Southeastern Conference Tournament, winning it more times (23) than the other 11 schools combined (18). Bogans 'critical' to UK quest    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     Tayshaun Prince was named MVP of last year's Southeastern Conference Tournament after averaging 19 points and nine rebounds while leading the University of Kentucky's three game sweep to the championship. UK jockeys for better NCAA seed    No. 2 possible for SEC winner    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    This week's Southeastern Conference Tournament will be as much a battle for NCAA Tournament seeding for the league's upper-echelon teams as it will be a battle to win the tournament title. Smith thinks Cats ready for a run    UK has won 23 of 42 SEC tourneys    As poorly as his team played at times this season, Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said Wednesday that he believes the 12th-ranked Wildcats are ready to make a postseason run.      Baseball Bat Cats Play Host to Ball State in Weekend Series at Applebee's Park    The University of Kentucky baseball team continues its eight-game home stand this weekend when it plays host to Ball State in a three-game series at Applebee's Park. The Wildcats (6-7) and Cardinals (1-3) have not met on the diamond since 1988 when BSU, owning a 2-0 series lead on UK, outscored the Cats 15-7 at Cliff Hagan Stadium.      Football Johnson, Clay dismissed from UK football team    Senior running back Martez Johnson and redshirt freshman linebacker John Clay have been kicked off the Kentucky football team for violations of team rules, the school announced Wednesday. (3-06-02) Athletic Director Ivy, Former AD Newton Out at Kentucky    Kentucky athletics director Larry Ivy resigned Tuesday following an internal review of the department. Terry Mobley, the school's director of development and a former basketball player under coach Adolph Rupp, was appointed interim athletics director by university president Lee Todd UK moves to restore athletics integrity    University of Kentucky President Lee Todd intends to go far beyond just replacing individuals in the school's scandal-plagued athletics department by promising to transform the entire culture of UK athletics. Newton retiring from UK 'consultant' job    By Tom Lasseter and Linda B. Blackford, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    Former UK Athletics Director C.M. Newton, whose $75,000-a-year contract with the university raised questions earlier this year, is retiring from the university, school officials announced yesterday. Time right to move on in career, Ivy's statement says    University of Kentucky Athletics Director Larry Ivy could not be reached for comment yesterday. But UK officials released the following statement, attributed to Ivy: Call to 'change the culture' wasn't heard    BY JOHN CLAY, Herald-Leader Sports Columnist    Larry Ivy just didn't get it. If there was anyone who did not realize it before, surely they did back on Jan. 31, the day University of Kentucky President Lee Todd announced a new committee would conduct an extensive review of the school's athletics department. AD search should go beyond Big Blue     Overhaul half done until UK ties are cut Lee Todd says he has "no preconception" about what he will look for in a new Kentucky athletics director. How UK is moving to clean up sports    UK President Lee Todd yesterday announced major changes in the school's athletics department, aimed at cleaning up UK sports: n Adopting ethics policies for the athletics director and others, relating to receiving gifts and handling conflicts of interest. Tickets: the big perk Todd wants to downsize    By Linda B. Blackford and Tom Lasseter, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS    People will pay as much as $300,000 for a courtside seat at a University of Kentucky basketball game -- reflecting the kind of demand that UK President Lee Todd says may be leading to bigger problems. Sweeping changes force UK's ivy out    By Tom Lasseter and Linda B. Blackford, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITERS     After less than two years on the job, University of Kentucky Athletics Director Larry Ivy stepped down yesterday amid a scathing review of the UK sports program and major reforms to clean it up. University also cancels contract with C.M. Newton   Ivy's predecessor has little to say   By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal    A terse C.M. Newton had little to say yesterday when asked about the many changes that new University of Kentucky President Lee Todd has in store for the athletic department that Newton once led. Changes could affect operations of department    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal     University of Kentucky Athletic Association employees have a new boss today. Their own jobs might be changing too. Todd's actions justified, some members say    By Joseph Gerth, The Courier-Journal    When University of Kentucky President Lee Todd announced changes in the school's athletic program yesterday, members of UK's board of trustees who would comment all said the moves were warranted. Athletics offered new president major challenges from the start    By Mark Pitsch, The Courier-Journal     When he ascended to the University of Kentucky presidency less than a year ago, Lee Todd inherited an NCAA investigation into the school's athletic program. Rule-breaking culture runs deep    By Rick Bozich, The Courier-Journal    The meeting of the University of Kentucky board of trustees that ended with the news that Larry Ivy had resigned as the school's athletic director began with a discussion of the school's cancer center, its mathematics program and a generous financial gift that will endow a university scholarship. Committee's recommendations (Highlights)    ''Larry Ivy should be removed from the position of athletics director.'' Immediately end payments to former athletic director C.M. Newton ''since he has no current employment relationship with the athletics department.'' UK overhauls sports program    Ivy retires in wake of scathing report calling for reforms    After less than two years on the job, University of Kentucky Athletics Director Larry Ivy stepped down Tuesday amid a scathing review of the UK sports program and major reforms to clean it up      Basketball UK Opens Postseason in "CAT-lanta"    Kentucky makes its 41st appearance in the Southeastern Conference Tournament after winning eight of the last 10 tournament titles. The Cats have a first-round bye and will play the winner of the South Carolina/Ole Miss game in the quarterfinals Time for Bogans to bust slump    Year ago, UK guard lit up SEC tourney By Jerry Tipton This week a year ago, Keith Bogans' spectacularly productive play helped lead Kentucky to the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship. Prince on AP All-SEC first team    From AP and Special Dispatches     University of Kentucky forward Tayshaun Prince yesterday was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by The Associated Press. Hawkins sharpens at point    Guard finding consistency    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter    Perhaps lost in the shuffle, and euphoria, of sophomore guard Gerald Fitch's game-winning basket and freshman forward Chuck Hayes' key defensive play in the waning moments of the University of Kentucky's 70-67 win vs. Florida on Saturday was that it was actually sophomore point guard Cliff Hawkins who made several big plays down the stretch.      Baseball Wildcats Fall to Western Michigan, 9-5, at Applebee's Park    Sophomore shortstop Spencer Graeter went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored, but five errors prevented the University of Kentucky baseball team from claiming victory, falling 9-5 to Western Michigan at Applebee's Park Wednesday Kentucky Crosses Plate 14 Times in Win Over Western Michigan    The University of Kentucky baseball team took advantage of six Western Michigan errors to win 14-6 at Applebee's Park Tuesday afternoon. In a game that saw 19 players on UK's roster take the field, the Wildcats (6-6) collected 13 hits by 10 different batters to cruise past the Broncos (1-3).      Football UK FOOTBALL    By Chip Cosby, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Morriss's future in hands of Ivy's replacement Fresh off a messy divorce from Hal Mumme, Larry Ivy needed a football coach, and he needed one fast Kentucky Football Notebook    Senior running back Martez Johnson and redshirt freshman linebacker John Clay have been dismissed from the University of Kentucky football team for violation of team rules, Coach Guy Morriss has announced. (3-05-02) Kentucky athletic director Ivy resigns under fire    Associated Press     Kentucky athletic director Larry Ivy resigned Tuesday amid a scathing university review of the athletic department Fans React To UK Changes The big changes in UK athletics have True Blue Fans and others talking. The Ivy/Newton Legacy Regardless of who takes over as UK's next athletics director, C.M. Newton and Larry Ivy will forever be members of that elite club. But their legacy will not be without controversy. Ivy, Newton Out at UK     UK Athletic Director Larry Ivy is stepping down and retiring, Terry Mobley will be the interim A.D. Exclusive WKYT.com WYMTnews.com video of the press conference: Video 1; 2; 3 UK athletics director resigns    University of Kentucky's Athletics Department has announced the resignation of its athletics director. AD Ivy, former AD Newton out at UK    By STEVE BAILEY, AP Sports Writer     Kentucky athletic director Larry Ivy resigned Tuesday amid a scathing university review of the athletic department. Ivy steps down    The University of Kentucky today announced the resignation of its athletics director Larry Ivy. Ivy steps down at UK    University of Kentucky Athletics Director Larry Ivy stepped down from his office today, as UK President Lee Todd announced a sweeping set of changes in the university's athletics department aimed in part at establishing standards of professional and ethical behavior.      Basketball SEC Tournament guide    Here is a guide to this week's Southeastern Conference Tournament that runs Thursday-Sunday in Atlanta's Georgia Dome: Depth is key to SEC Tournament    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Having depth may not matter that much in a regular-season game or even an NCAA Tournament game, but it has proven to be a big reason the University of Kentucky has had so much success in the Southeastern Conference Tournament recently and is a reason why it has a chance to win it again. Smith focuses on SEC title    Southeastern Conference unanimously agreed that this week's conference tournament in Atlanta could be won by numerous teams, but none seemed sure how to interpret what the tourney results might do for NCAA Tournament seedings. Prince makes first-team All-SEC, fails to repeat as Player of Year    University of Kentucky senior Tayshaun Prince has been named first team All-Southeastern Conference by the league's basketball coaches for the second consecutive season. Kentucky hopes to go deep in the post-season tournaments    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    In more ways than one, Kentucky hopes to go deep in the post-season tournaments. UK's reserves outscored Florida's bench 30-0 in Saturday's regular-season finale. A productive bench figures to be a necessity in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, which will demand two victories in a 19-hour period and a third less than 24 hours later for the Cats to claim the championship. Growth spurt    It was either a simple omission in the heat of battle or a hint of newfound confidence in his sophomore point guard. Either way, by leaving Cliff Hawkins on the court in the final seconds of Saturday's 70-67 victory over Florida. PBS does great job with UK documentary    Jim Pickens, The Messenger-Inquirer    Here's some must-see TV for the hoops junkies at your house. And, it's not "Season on the Brink," the highly publicized ESPN-produced movie that will premier the evening of NCAA Selection Sunday. (3-04-02)      Basketball Blevins and Prince Earn All-SEC Honors; Prince Named All-America    Senior J.P. Blevins was named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, the lone Wildcat on the list of 21 released by Commissioner Roy Kramer earlier this week. Blevins, who will graduate in May with a degree in communications, became the first Wildcat since Travis Ford (1992-94) to earn the honor three times. UK rises to meet challenge    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The University of Kentucky basketball team showed Saturday that it may be ready for a successful postseason run after all now that it has its full complement of players back and if it can get them all to contribute in the same way they did in the Wildcats' win vs. Florida. Fitch regains playing time, UK gets win    Gerald Fitch thought his Kentucky basketball career was in serious jeopardy of ending. March into madness with unity in game    Basketball has always been the heart of Wildcat country. With the withdrawal of Prince and Bogans from the draft to return this season and several heralded freshmen joining the team, UK was expected to be a contender for the national title.       Baseball Bat Cats to Play Host to Western Michigan at Applebee's Park    The University of Kentucky baseball team will play host to Western Michigan in a two-game series on Tuesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 5 at Applebee's Park. Both games between the Wildcats and Broncos are scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET starting time.       Football Woodson impressed with UK    By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    It didn't take University of Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss long to leave an impression on North Hardin junior quarterback Andre Woodson. Woodson and his mother, Robin, were guests of Morriss' at Saturday's Kentucky-Florida basketball game. Homer getting second crack at professional football    The toughest part for Derek Homer was with his phone.    When it did ring, he wondered if this would be the call that would end his life as an unemployed football player. (3-03-02)      Basketball 2002 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket  (Click Here for 21K PDF version) Hawkins making better decisions at point, and that makes UK stronger    With Kentucky clinging to a 68-67 lead and time running out in a game it desperately needed to win, Cliff Hawkins couldn't have been coach Tubby Smith's first choice to go to the foul line. When push came to shove, Estill says he didn't push    If Marquis Estill pushed Florida's Udonis Haslem, he doesn't remember it. Fitch's play made problems forgettable    In one of the all-time triumphs of expedience over principle, the University of Kentucky defeated Florida 70-67 on a three-point basket by Gerald Fitch Cats top Gators to claim SEC first-round bye    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal     Tubby Smith preaches teamwork, but often this season the University of Kentucky basketball team has appeared to be more dysfunctional and disjointed than united. Senior Day spectacular    By John Clay, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    Maybe this was the start of the post-season. Maybe that is what this Kentucky team needs to make amends, a second season to atone for the disappointments and disruptions of the frustrating first. Sweet redemption    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST    As last week drew to a close, Gerald Fitch lay in bed each night finding sleep an elusive companion. When he tried to nod off, one idea kept churning through his mind. Prince produces in clutch, has 'a lot left to play for'    By Brian Bennett, The Courier-Journal     Last season against Florida, Tayshaun Prince cemented his reputation as the University of Kentucky basketball team's ''Mr Clutch'' by sinking a game-winning, off-balance jumper in the lane. Living in exile from Big Blue    On the day when 23,000 Rupp Arena partisans would have given him a grand send-off, Desmond Allison was in the 2,000-seat Robert E. Curry Christian Life Center. Fitch in time saves bye    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Kentucky punctuated its year of living dangerously by -- what else? -- living dangerously on Senior Day yesterday. With a share of the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championship at stake, Kentucky and Florida battled to the game's final possession. Cats win SEC Tournament bye    Gerald Fitch made an impact in his first game back with No. 11 Kentucky. Big Dance changes leave possible Cinderellas cold   By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER College basketball fans have one more week to prepare for a radically new format for the NCAA Tournament. The format, which was introduced last summer, intends to keep the better seeded teams closer to home in the first two rounds. In subsequent rounds, the teams will be dispersed throughout the country as in the past. Estill's eye-opening effort blunts Florida big man   By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER, Quickly recovered from a scratched cornea, Marquis Estill added a much-needed dimension to Kentucky yesterday. More than one dimension, in fact.       Baseball Kentucky Baseball Game vs. Miami (Ohio) Canceled    The third game of the Holiday Inn North Baseball Classic featuring the University of Kentucky and Miami University on Sunday, March 3 has been canceled due to wind and freezing temperatures in the Bluegrass (3-02-02)      Basketball Fitch and No. 11 Kentucky Shoot Over No. 8 Florida, 70-67    Gerald Fitch, playing for the first time since being suspended for disciplinary reasons, hit a 3-pointer with 33 seconds to play to give No. 11 Kentucky a 70-67 victory over No. 8 Florida on Saturday Fitch's 3 gives Wildcats win, first-round rest    Gerald Fitch made an impact in his first game back with No. 11 Kentucky. The sophomore guard, who was held out of the last three games for disciplinary reasons, hit a 3-pointer with 33 seconds to play as the Wildcats rallied to earn a 70-67 victory over Florida (No. 10 ESPN/USA Today, No. 8 AP) on Saturday UK corral    No. 11 Kentucky earns a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament with a 70-67 victory over No. 8 Florida at Rupp Arena. Gerald Fitch comes back from a disciplinary suspension to hit a clutch shot for the Wildcats. Kentucky rallies for big SEC win    Wildcats get conference bye after upsetting No. 8 Florida Wildcats Fall To LSU In SEC Tourney Action, 74-62    Aiysha Smith scored 18 points to lead five Lady Tigers in double figures as LSU defeated Kentucky 74-62 Friday night in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals. Sese Helm and Rita Adams topped scoring for Kentucky with 14 points each, Sara Potts followed with 11, while Shambrica Jones had 10. Stakes again high for UK, Florida    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    For the third year in a row, Kentucky plays Florida today in the regular-season finale with championship implications. Trophy-wise, only the final makeup of the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championship will be decided. Cats' depth gets a boost    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Except, of course, for injured big man Jason Parker, Kentucky will have its full complement of players to face Florida today. Center Marquis Estill, who sat out the final 30 minutes of Wednesday's loss at Vanderbilt because of a scratched cornea, has fully recovered. Plus Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels, who both did not play the last two games as part of a disciplinary action, will play against the Gators, UK Coach Tubby Smith said. Tigers thwart Cats' upset bid    By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    It was smiles and pats on the back, even after the Kentucky women's Southeastern Conference Tournament run ended at the hands of Louisiana State, 74-62 in the second round. For Tubby, it's never too late    UK coach thinks now is the time for team to jell    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal    Today's home game against Florida is the regular-season finale for the University of Kentucky men's basketball team.   It's also the last time seniors Tayshaun Prince and J.P. Blevins will suit up for the Wildcats at Rupp Arena. Tubby had the pieces, but the seasons been a puzzle    John Clay Herald-Leader Sports columnist Sometimes, it just doesnt work. Pieces fail to fit. Personalities fail to mesh. The same keys fail to turn the same locks. Same buttons produce different results. Donovan feels loss to UK was turning point    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan said he thinks his team's first game this season with the University of Kentucky was a turning point for the Gators, and he's going to find out just how much so today. Prince bids adieu at UK    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     It's his versatility, savvy and multiple skills that draw rave review for University of Kentucky senior forward Tayshaun Prince.     But those attributes may not be what have made Prince such a special player during his college career. UK-Florida winner gets tourney bye    The scenario is remarkably simple for No. 8 Florida and No. 11 Kentucky Fitch, Daniels Talk About Suspensions     For the first time since they were suspended, UK sophomores Gerald Fitch and Erik Daniels spoke to the media about being punished by coach Tubby Smith.       Baseball Bat Cats Get 6-3 Win Over Miami (Ohio) in Holiday Inn North Classic    Behind the arm of junior right-hander Scott Wade and the bat of senior first baseman Robert Newton, Kentucky outscored Miami (Ohio), 6-3, in cold temperatures in the Holiday Inn North Classic at Applebee's Park Saturday   (3-01-02) Ivy faces possibly serious consequences    The results of a month long investigation into University of Kentucky sports could be revealed Monday, with possibly serious consequences for Athletics Director Larry Ivy, according to a top UK official. UK report: Ivy may be out    A month long investigation could cost athletic director Larry Ivy his job.      Basketball Senior Day is Judgment Day    Press Conference Quotes    Kentucky looks to earn a first-round bye in next week's SEC Tournament with a win over Florida as both teams close out regular-season play. Florida and Georgia are tied for the SEC Eastern Division lead while the Wildcats trail by one game. UK must beat Florida to earn SEC tourney bye    Even if the teams weren't playing for the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title and a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament, Florida coach Billy Donovan knows Saturday's game at Kentucky would be special UK needs win to avoid early SEC game     By JEFF D'ALESSIO, News-Enterprise Sports Editor    If Kentucky is wanting to avoid a first-round game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament next week, the Wildcats must beat Florida Saturday at Rupp Arena Estill gets OK to play vs. Florida    By Jerry Tipton, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    Doctors cleared Kentucky big man Marquis Estill yesterday to play against Florida Saturday. A scratched right cornea against Vanderbilt Wednesday put Estill's availability in doubt. Estill did not return to the game after he sustained the injury with 9:40 left in the first half. Born to be Blue    By Mark Story, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    In 1979, there were 30,270 boys born in Kentucky. One of those was the son of a lawyer father and a school teacher mother who lived in the rural southern Kentucky county of Metcalfe. UK women find winning touch in time    By Jennifer Smith, HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER    The Kentucky women figured if they were going to win a second Southeastern Conference game of the season, it might as well be at the SEC Tournament All attention has been on UK's Prince Stayed Course    It was during Tayshaun Prince's junior season he quit going to malls in Lexington, suffocated by the rock star treatment that top University of Kentucky basketball players receive in public places. Blevins has had ups, downs in final season with Wildcats    By Rusty Hampton, The Courier-Journal     J.P. Blevins has attended University of Kentucky Senior Day celebrations as a fan and player. That's why he's pretty sure he'll be blinking away tears when he's honored before tomorrow's final home game of the season at Rupp Arena. Kentucky Wildcats Report    By Rusty Hampton,The Courier-Journal     Sitting on bench is what Fitch expected    University of Kentucky guard Gerald Fitch wasn't surprised he didn't play in Wednesday's 86-73 loss at Vanderbilt, even though coach Tubby Smith had reinstated him from an indefinite suspension. Estill given OK to play Saturday    By Richard Skinner, Post staff reporter     The University of Kentucky basketball team received something Thursday it hasn't received in a while--some good news.        Baseball Bat Cats Fall 3-2 to Miami (Ohio) in Home Opener    Junior right-hander Joseph Blanton struck out 13 in eight complete innings but it was not enough as the University of Kentucky baseball team dropped its home opener to Miami (Ohio), 3-2, at Applebee's Park in the Holiday Inn North Classic Friday.            Football This week important for Johnson  This could be the most important week of Dennis Johnson's life.       Our Privacy statement can be read here...   Disclaimer:  This site solely owned by WildcatZone.Com and is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Kentucky, the Southeastern Conference, or the NCAA copyright (c) 1997-2006, WildcatZone.Com (except where otherwise indicated)