March 2007 WildcatZone.Com News Archive (3-31-07) Kentucky Wildcats Baseball Carroll, Kipnis Double Twice, as UK Edges MSU 10-6     UK got a hit from every member of its starting lineup, as the No. 8 Kentucky baseball team rolled to 16 hits, to tally a 10-6 win and even the series with Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon in front of 10,324 fans at Dudy Noble Field. Not so lucky number: Cats give up 7 in 7th    Mississippi State scored seven runs in the seventh inning to rally past Kentucky 10-7 in the series opener. It took four pitchers before UK could escape from the decisive inning. MSU trailed 5-1 before James Paxton walked in the first run. Tyler Henry (0-1) relieved him, promptly walked the next batter for another run and was pulled in favor of Tommy Warner. That was when the Bulldogs' bats got cracking.               Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball Decoding Donovan    To explain his single-mindedness, University of Florida Coach Billy Donovan repeats a stock line from recent NCAA Tournament news conferences.   Kentucky Wildcats Football Tamme now better than ever    Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme has himself a sparkling 77 career catches, five touchdowns, consensus first-team All-SEC honors in 2006.   Cats' Fidler, Hartline battle to be backup QB     Woodson's No. 1, but who's No. 2?     Mike Hartline had an illuminating first season of college football. But it wasn't until after his redshirt season wrapped up that the University of Kentucky quarterback really saw the light. (3-30-07)               Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball Coy Donovan lets you believe what you want    You can hear what you want to hear. You can see what you want to see. UK to offer Donovan $3.5 million a year     The University of Kentucky is prepared to offer Florida men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan a contract that would be worth as much as $3.5 million a year soon after Florida’s season is over, according to a story today on ESPN.com. Former Kentucky player suspects Donovan 'open' to Wildcat job    Former Kentucky basketball star Richie Farmer says he spoke with Billy Donovan and suspects the Florida coach is "open" to considering the Wildcats job after the Final Four. Kentucky talk shadows Florida's Donovan    The question came out of the stands, as direct and on-target as a Lee Humphrey jumper. Donovan says he's not thinking about UK     To show his single-mindedness, Florida Coach Billy Donovan repeated Friday a stock line from recent NCAA Tournament news conferences. “The minute I get on the road, I give my (cell) phone to my secretary,” he said at a Final Four news conference. “I’ve talked to nobody.” Tubby still praises Kentucky job    He acknowledged the pressures associated with leading college basketball's winningest program, but he expressed confidence that Kentucky can attract a quality coach. Patterson and Lucas impress Wright      He's won a state championship and coached a Mr. Basketball. He's made South Laurel into one of the state's top high school basketball programs. Right here, not now    One would think we could hold this truth to be self evident: Coaching men's basketball at Kentucky is no place for on-the-job training. Searches guided by firm hands    ADs use outside help to find new coaches    These days, Mitch Barnhart is the UK athletic director. And in his search to hire a successor for Tubby Smith -- who left for the head coaching job at Minnesota -- Barnhart has employed a search firm, Parker Executive Search, for assistance. Smith helped the state achieve social progress    Let's forget for a few minutes about the next University of Kentucky basketball coach and take one more important look at the old one. NCAA prexy worried about coaches' salaries     NCAA president Myles Brand expressed concern Thursday about runaway coaching salaries, but said it was up to individual schools and universities to police themselves when it comes to new hires. Bluegrass intrusion allowed by Donovan     Billy Donovan says he doesn’t carry his cellphone on the road. He says he hands it to his secretary, who screens all calls. Donovan says this frees him to go from watching film to conducting practice without being troubled by... Kentucky Wildcats Baseball Seven-Run Seventh Propels MSU Comeback    Mississippi State erased a four-run UK lead and scored seven runs in the seventh inning to take the opening game of the three-game set from No. 8 Kentucky 10-7, on a beautiful Friday night at Dudy Noble Field. No. 8 Baseball Heads to Magnolia State     The No. 8 Kentucky baseball team heads to the Magnolia State to face Mississippi State in a three-game Southeastern Conference series beginning at 7:30 p.m. EDT Friday at Dudy Noble Field. SEC standings    College baseball: Kentucky at Mississippi State What: Three-game series Where: Polk-Dement Stadium, Starkville, Miss. When: 7:30 p.m. today; 3 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 Sunday Kentucky Wildcats Football Battle shaping up for Cats' backup QB    Mike Hartline had an illuminating first season of college football. Williams happy to be back     After starting the final 12 games last season, Garry Williams felt he finally had established himself as a key player at Kentucky. (3-29-07)               Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball Big men steal the show    University of Kentucky basketball recruiting targets Patrick Patterson and Jai Lucas put their games on display in the 30th McDonald's All-American game last night at Freedom Hall. Now all that's left is the wait.  Patterson, Lucas still interested in UK    They didn't play on the same team, but they had the same fans rooting for them. PATTERSON, BEASLEY SHINE; MAYO STUMBLES    University of Kentucky basketball recruiting targets Patrick Patterson and Jai Lucas put their games on display in the 30th McDonald's All-American game last night at Freedom Hall. Now all that's left is the wait. Riddle me this, rumor me that    Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Donovan ! Donovan ! Donovan ! Firm aids UK in search for coach    Minnesota used it to help hire Tubby    Mitch Barnhart will hire the University of Kentucky's next men's basketball coach, but he'll have some help in finding one. Kentucky Wildcats Football The time is now for transfers    Under normal circumstances, junior-college transfers Jess Beets and Josh Winchell could use their first spring practice at Kentucky to ease into things, slowly learn the offense and then challenge for starting jobs in the fall. But with the UK offensive line in dire straits because of injuries and suspensions, these are not normal circumstances.   Brooks likes Wildcats' speed and experience    Heavy storms pushed the University of Kentucky's first football practice of the spring indoors yesterday morning, but coach Rich Brooks and some of his stars say the on-the-field forecast is far... Charges against UK football player are reduced    Criminal charges against a University of Kentucky football player were reduced Wednesday morning in Fayette District Court. (3-28-07) Kentucky Wildcats Baseball Baseball vs. Morehead State Re-scheduled     Due to inclement weather in the area, No. 8 Kentucky’s baseball game against Morehead State, originally slated for Wednesday evening, has been re-scheduled. No. 8 Baseball Plays Host to State Rival Morehead St.    The No. 8 Kentucky baseball team returns to action with a mid-week showdown with state rival Morehead State, Wednesday at Cliff Hagan Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. EDT.               Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball UK hires firm to assist in coaching search    The University of Kentucky has hired an Atlanta search firm to help find a replacement for former UK basketball coach Tubby Smith. Kentucky strategy a case of 'Cats scratching search firm's back?    Back off. Kentucky says it can find a new head coach on its own. Really? Gary Parrish says the Wildcats are using the same search firm that helped arrange Tubby Smith's money-saving exit from Lexington. How convenient. UK urging recruits to stay course     University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart has contacted two highly prized basketball recruits in hopes of persuading them to still consider the Wildcats despite the fact that head coach Tubby Smith resigned last Thursday to become the head coach at Minnesota. Will big money lure Donovan to UK?    Would Billy Donovan leave Florida to coach at Kentucky? Florida columnist urges Donovan to go to UK     Go, Billy. Go to Kentucky. Go now, with the door and arms wide open. Have you heard? Rumors can be wrong    Welcome to Rumorville. Surely you've heard the one, through a third cousin twice removed, whose gardener swears on a stack of Kentucky basketball media guides that he saw Billy Donovan in Lexington six weeks ago with a real estate agent, looking at houses. Kentucky Wildcats Football New UK linemen called to action    Under normal circumstances, junior-college transfers Jess Beets and Josh Winchell could use their first spring practice at Kentucky to ease into things, slowly learn the offense and then challenge for starting jobs in the fall. But with the UK offensive line in dire straits because of injuries and suspensions, these are not normal circumstances. Woodson is UK's man at quarterback     Andre Woodson was in a battle for the starting quarterback job when spring drills opened at the University of Kentucky at this time a year ago, but not this year. Football weather    Andre' Woodson (3) led players to Nutter Field House as the University of Kentucky football team had its first spring practice Wednesday. Wildcats Open Spring Football Practice     Heavy rain forced the Kentucky football team into the Nutter Field House on the first day of spring practice, but the wet weather didn’t dampen the Wildcats’ spirits. Charges against UK football player are reduced    Criminal charges against a University of Kentucky football player were reduced Wednesday morning in Fayette District Court. Redshirt year was difficult for Lumpkin    Some players might have been eager for Kentucky to start spring practice this morning, but no one was more excited than redshirt freshman defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin. (3-27-07) Kentucky Wildcats Baseball UK baseball team up to No.8 in one poll    The University of Kentucky baseball team moved up three spots yesterday to No. 8 in the Collegiate Baseball poll of coaches, writers and sports information directors.               Kentucky Wildcats Men's Basketball Wildcats' search for new coach: rumors gone wild    The topic today isn't the coaching search. The topic is the news about the search. What in the name of Cawood bleeping Ledford has gotten into everybody? Smith erred by leaving Georgia     By going from lordly Kentucky to lowly Minnesota, Tubby Smith just admitted to making the biggest mistake of his college basketball life. And, no, this isn’t referring to the past 10 seasons, when he attempted the impossible. He tried to... Recruits weigh impact of coaching change    If Billy Donovan took the job as the University of Kentucky’s basketball coach, a highly touted UK recruit said he would wonder about Donovan “keeping his word.” Web site rumor about Donovan to UK is just that “Somehow it went from a discussion on our subscriber-only message board to (being reported as) done-deal fact,” said Darrell Bird, the general manager of The Cats’ Pause.   Even Izzo can't meet fans' criteria    Pondering the coaching search: If 10-loss seasons were your gripe with Tubby Smith, then scratch Tom Izzo from the list of possible successors.   Recruits await decision    University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart has contacted two highly prized basketball recruits in hopes of persuading them to still consider the Wildcats despite the fact that head coach Tubby Smith resigned last Thursday to become the head coach at Minnesota. Donovan has yet to rule out a job change    Several coaches have taken their names out of consideration, but the perceived object of Kentucky's fondest desire remained a viable option to replace Tubby Smith. Crawford says he'll be back at UK    Guard Joe Crawford yesterday told Scott Stricklin, UK's associate athletic director for media relations, that he will return to the Wildcats for his senior season. Tubby's exit could mean end of free computer classes for kids    Rachel Murphy knows how to build, take apart and install programs on a computer. But her younger brother may not have this opportunity if the Tubby Smith-funded Tubby's Clubhouse program is discontinued. Kentucky Wildcats Football Wildcats shorthanded as spring practice opens    Keenan Burton didn't bypass a shot at the NFL so the University of Kentucky can return to being an Southeastern Conference also-ran. Thin Blue line to open spring drills    Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks will spend this spring practice doing what he always does, looking for improvement in his veteran players and identifying which young players will be ready to step up and help the team in the fall. After '06 success, UK set for spring    But Cats limited by suspensions, injuries    It didn't take long for Rich Brooks to rain on the parade. (3-26-07) Baseball Baseball Climbs to No. 8 In the National Rankings     Off to a 23-2-1 start to open the 2007 season, the Kentucky baseball team has cracked top-10, climbing as high as No. 8 in the weekly Collegiate Baseball top-30 poll, the organization announced Monday. Bat Cats tie LSU in shortened game    Kentucky rallied for two runs in the top of the eighth inning yesterday and forced a 9-9 tie with LSU at Alex Box Stadium in a game shortened because of the Wildcats' travel plans.               Men Pitino not interested in returning to Kentucky    Pitino said Monday that while he enjoyed his eight years with the Wildcats, he's happy coaching Louisville and wouldn't consider returning to the school he led to the national championship in 1996. Pitino says he has no interest in open Kentucky job    Kentucky's search for its next basketball coach won't include Rick Pitino. Randolph Morris Making NBA Debut Tonight    Former Kentucky Wildcat Randolph Morris will make his NBA debut this evening as a member of the New York Knicks taking on the Orlando Magic. Porter doesn't anticipate transfers from UK    Not only did he send Chuck Hayes to Kentucky to play for Tubby Smith, Gary Porter also sent his own son, Michael Porter, to UK to play under Smith. Florida president says school won't lose Donovan to UK    After Florida advanced to a second straight Final Four Sunday, school president Bernie Machen vowed that Billy Donovan will not leave for Kentucky. Few's assistant's move a UK clue?    For those speculating on the possibility of Gonzaga Coach Mark Few heading to Kentucky, his top assistant's move to the University of San Diego may provide a clue. Final Four return distracting Donovan    Poor Billy Donovan. That Final Four will be so in the way. Why, the Florida coach won't have time to focus on what's truly important. Billy Donovan steers clear around this UK rumor mill     "That's the kind of poison we've been dealing with all season," Gators junior Joakim Noah said. "Is this guy leaving...?" Donovan rumors take back seat to possible repeat   This is how Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan dealt with the microwavable rumors that a jump to the University of Kentucky would be an intriguing career move next month: Donovan ignored them. Declared them non-existent. Tubby's move 'final factor' for Morris      Randolph Morris, who practiced as an NBA player for the first time yesterday, said his "final factor" in turning pro late last week was coach Tubby Smith's departure from the University of Kentucky. Star would follow Donovan to UK        McDonald's All American Nick Calathes said he could wind up at the University of Kentucky if UK hires Florida coach Billy Donovan to replace Tubby Smith. Florida president: 'We're not going to lose' Donovan      University of Florida President Bernie Machen said he had no problem if the University of Kentucky wants to talk to Billy Donovan about its vacant basketball coaching job. Patterson, Lucas are big draws      UK targets get most attention among McDonald's stars      All of the marquee names among high school basketball players in the Class of 2007 are in Louisville this week for the McDonald's All American game, which will be Wednesday at Freedom Hall. Football Wildcats Prepare for Spring Practice     Coach Rich Brooks, Keenan Burton and Wesley Woodyard spoke to the media Monday in preparation for the first day of spring practice taking place on Wednesday. Brooks not happy about players' missteps     Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has numerous reasons to be excited about the start of spring football practice Wednesday. Young football Cats untested but promising    As the Kentucky football players and coaches conducted interviews throughout the season, one name kept popping up: Ricky Lumpkin. It wasn't because of anything Lumpkin was doing in games: The 6-foot-4, 289-pound defensive end redshirted last fall. (3-25-07) Baseball No. 11 Wildcats Force Tie With LSU     No. 11 Kentucky rallied for two runs in the top of the eighth inning Sunday and forced a 9-9 tie with LSU at Alex Box Stadium in a game shortened due to the Wildcats’ travel plans. Cats walk off with disputed victory    With the game tied entering the eighth inning, Kentucky erupted for three runs and hung on for a 6-5 win over LSU yesterday at Alex Box Stadium.               Men Tubby's wife says treatment was fair    The Minnesota media member with a microphone tossed a question at the wife of the new Minnesota head basketball coach. A loaded question. The meek should not inherit UK job    Having studied the history of University of Kentucky basketball (I actually took that exact course in my undergrad days at UK), I've reached one absolute conclusion about the kind of man it takes to really succeed in the white-hot glare of UK basketball. More than just a coach, Cats need a star     Dick Vitale to Kentucky's next coach: Enjoy your introductory news conference as you survey the basketball landscape seemingly at your feet. Donovan's decision is an easy one: Stay at Florida     Billy Donovan needs to see the floor. He needs to make a play. He needs to assure the University of Florida and its fans that he will still love them tomorrow. Who will be the next UK basketball coach?     Who will be the new men's basketball coach at the University of Kentucky? Knicks' offer too good for Morris to turn down     After Kentucky played in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, several NBA scouts told former UK All-American Kenny Walker that Randolph Morris likely would have several teams make offers to him not long after the Wildcats' season ended. Why Smith should have left; Why he should have stayed     The reasons Tubby Smith should have stayed at UK, and reasons he should have left. No word from Barnhart on a time for new UK coach     UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart declined any comment about the impending coaching search. "I'm just not going to answer any questions." Barnhart mum on when he'll make his hire    There is a timeline in one entrance to the new Joe Craft Center that depicts University of Kentucky basketball coaches through the years. There's no timetable for finding the next man whose picture will adorn that display. Prospect retracts UK commitment    Green had rapport with coach Smith    The University of Kentucky appears to have lost its first recruit in the wake of coach Tubby Smith bolting for Minnesota. College Basketball Notebook    Watching over Meeks    Jodie Meeks likes shooting the basketball. That much hasn't changed in the 12 years or so since Cassie Arner first met him. Football Linemen didn't surpass promise    They arrived at the University of Kentucky in 2004, one a highly touted recruit from Mayfield and the other a lightly regarded prospect from Grayson. UK football player charged in bomb incident     University of Kentucky football player Marcus Dion McClinton, 21, was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment early Friday after an incident at a local apartment complex that reportedly involved the use of household products to make crude bombs. New secondary coach likes the people in this area     New Kentucky secondary coach David Lockwood can't wait for the Wildcats to start spring practice Wednesday so he can finally see his players on the football field. (3-24-07) Baseball No. 11 UK Breaks Open Tie Game in 8th, Tops LSU 6-5      With the game tied entering the eighth inning, the No. 11 Kentucky baseball team exploded for three runs and hung on for a drama-packed win over the LSU Fighting Tigers, 6-5, on Saturday afternoon at Alex Box Stadium. Kipnis' eighth-inning home run lifts No. 11 Kentucky baseball over LSU 6-5    Jason Kipnis hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to power the No. 11 University of Kentucky baseball team over host Louisiana State 6-5 yesterday.               Men Get a grip: We're more than college basketball    Congratulate yourself, Kentucky: We are now officially a national joke. We should be ashamed of ourselves. We drove away UK basketball coach Tubby Smith, a decent guy and generally successful coach, because he didn't give us what we're sure is our Kentucky birthright: Absolute dominance of American men's college basketball. Donovan downplays Kentucky job rumors    Tubby Smith is gone, trading life under the microscope at Kentucky for the welcoming arms of Minnesota basketball fans. Now athletic director Mitch Barnhart must find a coach who can return the Wildcats to the Final Four while appeasing one of college basketball’s most ardent fan bases. UK signals need for patience in hiring    Tubby Smith surprised the college basketball nation when he left Kentucky for Minnesota this week. He also caught his UK bosses unaware. Barnhart can improve his image with hire    It was once said (in TV ads for a dandruff shampoo) that one never gets a second chance to make a first impression. Todd says bonus not used to get Tubby out    University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. said yesterday UK did not use a $1.5 million longevity bonus as a bargaining chip to try to persuade former basketball coach Tubby Smith to leave. Morris follows Tubby out, signs with Knicks    Apparently, there was no off switch on the newfound hustle University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris showed this post-season. In Minnesota, maybe there won't be a critic in every cab    The last time South Carolina attorney Ricky Lefft came to Lexington to see his good friend and client Tubby Smith, Lefft took a cab in from the airport. 'Tub-bee, Tub-bee': sweet music     To the chants of "Tub-bee, Tub-bee, Tub-bee," Tubby Smith made his way up the steps and onto the raised floor of the Williams Arena here yesterday as the new basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. Founder of 'Concerned Fans' group happy at last    As the fallout from Tubby Smith's departure roils around Lexington, there is at least one very contented man in Big Blue Nation. Filling Tubby's shoes     Potential candidates Kentucky could consider to replace Tubby Smith: No pressure to resign, Smith's attorney says    In the weeks leading up to Tubby Smith's split from the University of Kentucky, "Hit the Road Jack" was not playing in his head despite speculation to the contrary. UK's Morris goes pro    A day after the University of Kentucky lost its head coach, it also lost its best player. Minnesota embracing Tubby    As Tubby Smith walked to the podium at Williams Arena, hundreds of Golden Gopher fans showered him with chants of "Tubby! Tubby!" Billy Donovan keeps UK coaching job option open     Billy Donovan had an opportunity to tell Kentucky to take a deep cleansing breath and get excited about other names. He didn't do it. Twice. UK's Smith books a trip to calmer waters     So, if I understand the story right, Tubby Smith is going off to a great city to coach in a program with affluent, sports-crazed fans who possess fairly reasonable basketball expectations and will receive a couple of million dollars a year for his work. Morris signs with Knicks     UK center allowed to play right away     Randolph Morris has followed his coach's lead. He's leaving the University of Kentucky. Morris, a junior center, yesterday signed with the NBA's New York Knicks, where he can begin playing immediately. His departure came on the same day that former UK coach Tubby Smith was introduced as the new coach at Minnesota. Football Defense will take it personally    New Kentucky defensive coordinator Steve Brown said he doesn't have any drastic schematic changes planned for the Wildcat defense in 2007. (3-23-07)     Baseball McKinney Drives in Four as No. 11 UK Pounds LSU     Matt McKinney drove in a career-high four runs, as the No. 11 Kentucky baseball team defeated LSU 16-2 on Friday.              Women Badgers' big finish ends Cats' season   Wisconsin outrebounds UK 54-35    Wisconsin had one last run in it and time ran out on Kentucky's season last night in the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament. Wisconsin ends UK season    The University of Kentucky's women's basketball team saw its season end Thursday with a 67-61 loss to Wisconsin in the third round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.              Men Randolph Morris signs with New York Knicks     Kentucky center Randolph Morris signed a free-agent contract with the New York Knicks on Friday, another big loss to a program already dealing with the departure of coach Tubby Smith. UK center Morris signs with Knicks     Kentucky center Randolph Morris signed a free-agent contract with the New York Knicks on Friday, another shock to a Wildcat program already dealing with the departure of coach Tubby Smith. Kentucky's Morris goes straight to Knicks     Kentucky center Randolph Morris signed a free-agent contract with the New York Knicks on Friday, another big loss to a program already dealing with the departure of coach Tubby Smith. Knicks sign Kentucky's Morris to 2-year contract    Kentucky center Randolph Morris signed a free-agent contract with the New York Knicks on Friday, another big loss to a program already dealing with the departure of coach Tubby Smith. Wildcats begin search for Smith's replacement     Tubby Smith is gone, trading in life under the microscope at Kentucky for the kinder, gentler basketball culture at Minnesota. Smith introduced as Minnesota’s new coach: ‘I feel the love already’    When he recruited Tubby Smith, University of Minnesota Athletics Director Joel Maturi told Smith that Gopher fans would respect and embrace him. Maturi revealed some of his campaign tactics Friday as he introduced Smith as the new University of Minnesota men’s basketball coach. But still the faithful have kind words    Even University of Kentucky basketball fans who wanted more from their team than Tubby Smith had given had kind words for the departing coach Thursday. Tubby promises excitement at University of Minnesota    "I really appreciate this opportunity," Smith said. "I’m excited about it. I’m looking forward to meeting and visiting everyone.” Former UK players express shock, anger    It started with a tap on the shoulder and news that Cameron Mills refused to believe. "How many other rumors have I heard about Coach Smith that were ridiculous?" Mills said. Here’s hoping the next coach gets a bit better treatment than what Tubby got    Big Blue Nation has been clamoring about Tubby Smith much of the season. Class act can't be blamed for unpleasant ending    Tubby Smith deserved a better ending. Start with that. Tubby Smith: "You always want to be wanted"     Now that Tubby Smith’s departure is finalized, the big question is—who will replace him as UK’s 21st head coach in school history? Tubby's leaving is Kentucky's loss     Tubby Smith didn’t forget how to coach. Tubby Smith just got tired of people insisting, despite voluminous evidence to the contrary, that he didn’t know how to coach. He leaves Kentucky for roughly the same money at... Filling Tubby's shoes    Potential candidates Kentucky could consider to replace Tubby Smith: Rick Barnes, Texas Career record: 418-220 (nine seasons at Texas, 20 as a head coach) The race issue: Some see departure as a step back    Race has been an issue ever since Orlando "Tubby" Smith's name surfaced as a candidate to take the helm as head coach of the University of Kentucky's men's basketball program. Generosity in community will be missed    For a decade, Central Kentucky residents have driven past billboards with larger-than-life images of University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith. Minnesota's appeal: Fans less focused on college ball    When Tubby Smith becomes the basketball coach at the University of Minnesota Friday, he could become a small fish in a big pond. Patterson's mom: 'It doesn't look good' for UK    The announcement of Tubby Smith's departure from Kentucky sent shock waves across the college basketball landscape, and the aftermath figures to play a big role in the spring recruiting carousel. After initial shock, salutes for Smith    As the rumors about Tubby Smith circulated throughout Rupp Arena, Bill Keightley could only hope they weren't true. Tubby's still a winner    They say in Kentucky that Tubby Smith can't win. Like heck he can't. Pettigrew in limbo about ending up in Lexington    Steffphon Pettigrew is not sure if the University of Kentucky is in his future or not anymore. Smith's departure leaves Wildcats in flux     A decade toiling under the glare of one of college basketball's most exacting spotlights was enough for Tubby Smith. 'Even when you win it's not enough'    Former University of Kentucky player and assistant coach Dwane Casey called the UK men's basketball coaching position one of "the toughest jobs in the country." Patterson 'shocked' but still considering UK    The announcement of University of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith's departure for Minnesota caught one of UK's prime recruits by surprise yesterday. (3-22-07)     Baseball No. 11 Baseball Tops State Rival WKU    Powered by multi-hit performances from seniors Mike Brown and Sean Coughlin, the No. 11 Kentucky baseball team broke open a close game Wednesday with six runs in the seventh inning and cruised to a 12-5 win against intra-state rival Western Kentucky at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Cats stake WKU lead, then strike    The Kentucky Wildcats tied the score on a bases-loaded walk, grabbed the lead on a double play and outlasted Western Kentucky 12-5 last night at Cliff Hagan Stadium.              Women UK win would bring it home    CATS HAVE HAD TO PLAY ON ROAD TO ADVANCE IN WNIT    Kentucky is vigorously pursuing a chance to host the next three rounds of the Women's National Invitation Tournament should it win tonight.   Average attendance this season for the remaining 16 schools in the...Average attendance this season for the remaining 16 schools in the Women's National Invitation Tournament. Host schools are determined by attendance figures.              Men Statements Released Regarding Tubby Smith     Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart and University President Lee Todd released statements Thursday evening regarding basketball coach Tubby Smith. Smith's decision to leave UK saddens some     Tubby Smith’s apparent decision to leave the University of Kentucky to become the new head coach at Minnesota is one that saddened former UK coach Joe Hall. With Smith's departure, the search is on at UK     For several weeks Paul Peck has been hearing rumors about who might be the next coach at Kentucky if Tubby Smith did not return. Tubby Smith says he's leaving UK for Minnesota; Barnhart wishes him well    A basic human need led Tubby Smith to become the new head basketball coach at the University of Minnesota: He felt wanted. Smith gets bonus but UK avoids paying other incentives     When Tubby Smith goes to Minnesota, he won’t just leave behind bourbon, bluegrass and radio call-in shows. He’ll also leave behind plenty of money. Tubby Smith bolts Kentucky for Minnesota    With Kentucky fans dogging him after another disappointing finish, Tubby Smith is bolting the bluegrass for Minnesota. Smith will be introduced as the 16th coach of the Golden Gophers at a noon press conference Friday, ending a 10-year tenure in Lexington that seemed to be nearing an end even before Minnesota contacted him. Tubby's departure could affect Patterson's plans    University of Kentucky’s prized recruit, Patrick Patterson, was surprised by the news that Tubby Smith was leaving the Wildcats program. UK's Smith to take over at Minnesota    Kentucky's Tubby Smith will be the University of Minnesota's new basketball coach, a Minnesota school official said Thursday. Wildcats' Smith to become basketball coach at Minnesota     Kentucky's Tubby Smith will be the University of Minnesota's new basketball coach, a Minnesota school official said Thursday. UK recruit surprised by Tubby's departure    The high school coach of University of Kentucky signee A.J. Stewart said he was totally caught off guard and disappointed about the news of the departure of UK coach Tubby Smith. Tubby Smith to be Minnesota Golden Gophers coach     WAVE 3's Kent Taylor has confirmed that Tubby Smith will be the new men's basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. Tubby leaves UK     Big news sends shockwaves through Big Blue country. Tubby leaves Kentucky to lead Gophers     The Univ. of Minnesota will name Kentucky's Tubby Smith as its new head coach, SI.com's Seth Davis reports Ky.'s Tubby Smith to coach at Minn.     Kentucky's Tubby Smith will be the University of Minnesota's new basketball coach, a Minnesota school official said Thursday. Smith leaves Kentucky, takes spot at Minnesota     Tubby Smith has resigned as basketball coach at the University of Kentucky and will accept the same position at the University of Minnesota, according to sources close to Smith and to the university. Smith quits UK for Minnesota     Kentucky's Tubby Smith will be the University of Minnesota's new basketball coach, a Minnesota school official said Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Minnesota had not yet announced the hire. The Gophers fired coach Dan Monson in November. Smith met with the Kentucky players earlier Thursday, said basketball spokesman Scott Stricklin. Amid reports he's resigning, Smith leaves for Minnesota    Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith has emerged as a leading candidate to become coach at the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported Thursday.   Smith leaving UK for Minnesota job    Various media outlets in Kentucky and Minnesota are reporting that University of Kentucky head basketball coach Tubby Smith is leaving the Cats to coach the Gophers next season. Tubby Smith resigns, going to University of Minnesota Tubby Smith is out as UK basketball coach and will accept the same position at Minnesota, according to sources close to Smith and UK. Tubby leaves UK    Kentucky’s Tubby Smith will be the University of Minnesota’s new basketball coach, a Minnesota school official said Thursday. More coaches backing expansion    If there are more good players and teams (and who would argue there isn't?), then logic suggests that the NCAA Tournament field be expanded.   Cardinals' Walls 'wide-open' on college choice        Not only does Scott County High School have the No. 1 boys' basketball team in the state, but the Cardinals have two of the top college prospects in the Bluegrass State. (3-21-07)     Baseball No. 11 Baseball Tops State Rival WKU    Powered by multi-hit performances from seniors Mike Brown and Sean Coughlin, the No. 11 Kentucky baseball team broke open a close game Wednesday with six runs in the seventh inning and cruised to a 12-5 win against intra-state rival Western Kentucky at Cliff Hagan Stadium. No. 11 Baseball Hosts State Rival WKU    The No. 11 Kentucky baseball team returns to action on Wednesday, at it plays host to state rival Western Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. EDT at Cliff Hagan Stadium.              Women Tickets for WNIT Rd. of 16 Available    The Wildcats will face Wisconsin (20-12, 7-9 Big Ten) Thursday, March 22 at 8 p.m. EDT in the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisc. Click for ticket information.              Men What does the future hold for the Cats?    Two of Kentucky's seniors think the Wildcats can have an even better season next year, especially if center Randolph Morris returns. Recruits bide time while Cats take stock    Kentucky fans are not the only people waiting to learn what emerges from Coach Tubby Smith's meeting with Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart about the basketball program's future. SEC peak hits with UK in the valley    Random notes: Talk about poor timing. UK's recent hoops dip has coincided directly with a Southeastern Conference roundball surge. Football Football team has spring in its step        A different kind of vibe will be floating around the University of Kentucky football camp when spring practice opens on March 28. For the first time in the Rich Brooks era, the Wildcats will enter the spring as winners, fresh off an eight-victory season and Music City Bowl triumph. (3-20-07)              Women Kentucky edges Ball State    Junior center Sarah Elliott scored 14 of her team-high 18 points in the second half Monday and the University of Kentucky Wildcats made seven of 11 free throws in the final two minutes to hold off Ball State for an 85-82 win in the second round of the Women's NIT at Muncie, Ind. Elliott helps win one for dad    UK women advance in WNIT    Because of her father, Sarah Elliott has had a heavy heart this post-season. But the 6-foot-6 junior showed her heart last night and helped Kentucky advance to the quarterfinals of the Women's National Invitation Tournament with an 85-82 win at Ball State. Kentucky, Western, IU advance     Sarah Elliott had 18 points, Samantha Mahoney added 15 and the University of Kentucky advanced past host Ball State 85-82 last night in the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament. Kentucky reaches 20 NIT way     Junior Kentucky center Sarah Elliott scored 14 of her team-high 18 points in the second half Monday as the Wildcats held off Ball State 85-82 in Worthen Arena in the WNIT second round at Muncie, Ind.              Men Hollow present, foggy future    Before Kentucky played in the NCAA Tournament, Tubby Smith declared the 2006-07 season a success. No argument from those in the news business. Wildcats may be needing makeover in frontcourt    Brushing aside feelings of disappointment and frustration, University of Kentucky players did their best to look ahead following a second-round loss to Kansas in the NCAA tournament. Loss shines harsh light on need to recruit    Four days, two cities, 1,526.6 miles on the odometer. All to follow the bouncing ball -- and the NCAA men's basketball tournament -- in Chicago and Lexington. Morris not committing to Cats, but not to NBA, either    Kentucky junior center Randolph Morris had to know this was coming. Tubby planning on being back next season as Wildcats’ leader    Kentucky coach Tubby Smith reiterated once again after Sunday’s 88-76 loss to Kansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the United Center in Chicago that he plans on returning next season.     Baseball Cats move up in coaches' poll     Despite losing two of three games against Arkansas, the University of Kentucky (20-2) moved up one spot to 16th in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 coaches' poll yesterday. Football Bluegrass football: Rebirth of a program in Lexington     While losses in the NCAA hoops tourney might draw most of the focus in Kentucky, football is thriving. The Wildcats, coming off their first bowl victory in 22 years, tell Dennis Dodd they are ready to compete for -- gasp -- an SEC title. (3-19-07)              Women Elliott, Cats Hold Off Ball State in WNIT Second Round    Junior Kentucky center Sarah Elliott scored 14 of her team-high 18 points in the second half Monday as the Wildcats held off Ball State 85-82 in Worthen Arena in the WNIT Second Round. Elliott helps UK hold off Ball State in Women's NIT    Ball State made its share of big comebacks, but it had no answer for Kentucky's Sarah Elliott.              Men It's decision time for Morris    Even Randolph Morris isn't sure if he'll be back at Kentucky next year. NCAA tourney again brings out best in Perry    Kentucky senior Bobby Perry wishes he knows what went right for him during the last two NCAA Tournaments. Kentucky's season ends with questions    Perhaps it was only fitting that as soon as Kentucky's perplexing season ended, there were already more questions than answers about next year. CHICAGO NOPE    For a half, Kentucky achieved most of its pre-game objectives yesterday. But against a team as deep and talented as Kansas, that wasn't nearly enough to prevent elimination from the NCAA Tournament. Defeat to Kansas leaves UK longing    Kansas now is what Kentucky fans believe their program should be, what it once was. Question: How does Kentucky get back to there? With UK's guards down, it had no shot    The impossible -- well, the highly unlikely -- was fleetingly within sight. Kentucky was getting many of the ingredients it would need to concoct a poison strong enough to drop the dragon Kansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. UK reaches end of line    Up until the point that Kansas decided to step on the gas pedal and run away with a victory, there was still hope for the University of Kentucky. Morris will look at his options      If this was Randolph Morris' final game in a University of Kentucky uniform, it is fitting that it was played at the United Center, home of the NBA's Chicago Bulls. Perry becomes prime-timer again        Senior Bobby Perry stepped up his performance at the most critical time of the schedule for a second straight season. But that effort, once again, wasn't enough to keep the University of Kentucky from getting knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the second round, this time as top-seeded Kansas beat the No. 8 seed Wildcats, 88-76, at the United Center on Sunday. Playing the blame game is not helping the Wildcats        Sunday’s 88-76 loss to the Kansas Jayhawks was a microcosm of Kentucky’s season this year. Kansas wraps up Cats    Now that the University of Kentucky basketball team has checked out of the NCAA Tournament again, speculation and questions can begin. Decision time has arrived for Morris        One minute, Randolph Morris was saying that the only way he'd leave the University of Kentucky is if his eligibility expired. Cats scratched    It wasn't about bizarre bounces or fluke finishes.  A University of Kentucky basketball season sometimes described as unlucky ended yesterday in a game in which nothing was left to chance.     Baseball No. 9 Arkansas Takes Series From No. 12 Kentucky, 14-5    No. 9 Arkansas connected on three home runs and combined for nine runs in the game’s final three innings Sunday to notch a 14-5 win against No. 12 Kentucky at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-18-07)              Men Cats Fall to Kansas in NCAA Second Round     Randolph Morris had 22 points and Bobby Perry had 21, but it wasn't enough as Kentucky lost to Kansas 86-74 in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday in Chicago. Cats eliminated by powerful Kansas     For a half, Kentucky seemed to achieve much of its pre-game objectives on Sunday. But against a team as deep and talented as Kansas, that wasn’t nearly enough to prevent elimination from the NCAA Tournament. UK falls 88-76    A tumultuous Kentucky basketball season is over and what might be an active offseason now begins. Kentucky loses to Kansas     Let Kentucky have the past. Kansas owns the present. And with a few more performances like this, the loaded Jayhawks might be making some more history of their own. No. 1 Kansas overwhelms No. 9 Kentucky     Chicago native Julian Wright scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half, Brandon Rush added 19 and top-seeded Kansas romped past Kentucky 88-76 in the second round of the NCAA tournament Sunday. Kansas 88, Kentucky 76: Jayhawks Pull Away to Top Wildcats     A burst of action early in the second half illustrated the difficulty of beating Kansas, top-seeded in the N.C.A.A. tournament’s West regional. Cats can't let Kansas run     Bobby Perry recalled Kentucky's loss at Kansas last season as a combustible experience. "Oh man," he said yesterday. "lt was like we ran into a bomb." Cohesion gives UK a chance     Same scenario, different task. And no reason Kentucky can't be up to the task. A year ago, Kentucky was the No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament, facing a second-round game against top seed Connecticut, a squad so flush with talent many experts penciled in Jim Calhoun's Huskies as national champs. Manning still a big part of Kansas basketball    Danny Manning still remembers playing against Kentucky during his stellar career at Kansas. Kansas brings bad memories for Cats    Randolph Morris doesn't have any good memories of Kansas. Blow to the jaw can't stop Bradley    Ramel Bradley was back to his normal talkative, jovial self Saturday. Meeks helps Cats win with his defense    For most of the season, Kentucky freshman Jodie Meeks has had problems playing defense the way coach Tubby Smith wants. Wildcats look to upset Kansas    Kentucky coach Tubby Smith and his Wildcats weren’t interested in talking about the last meeting with the Kansas Jayhawks. Another golden opportunity for these Cats    The Kentucky Wildcats were teetering on the edge once again. Cats won't worry about past struggles     Told in the waning pages of "The Great Gatsby" that you can't repeat history, the lead character replies incredulously, "Of course you can." But that's literature. Here in the real world, the cold, hard lesson for the University of Kentucky men's basketball team has been that history is written. No alterations allowed. Cats will have Morris for this Kansas game    Randolph Morris watched in the locker room, then from his dorm room on the University of Kentucky campus. Kentucky vs. Kansas: Tale of the tape                 Women Cats Square Off With Ball State in WNIT Second Round    The Kentucky women’s basketball team travels to Muncie, Ind., on Monday to meet first-time opponent Ball State. Tip-off in the WNIT Second Round in Worthen Arena is set for 7 p.m. EDT and the game will be carried live on the Big Blue Sports Network (radio) with Neil Price. (3-17-07)              Men MORRIS COMES UP BIG   Randolph Morris rebounded over Villanova's Shane Clark, left, and Will Sheridan in the first half. UK won 67-58 and will play Kansas Sunday Morris marches on    For Kentucky fans who wondered the last two seasons what the often hibernating Randolph Morris might look like when fully engaged, he continued to give a roaring answer last night. After Dwight stuff, Kentucky shows the right stuff    The key was starting Dwight Perry. A mistake, you say? A bonehead move, you say, the fact that somehow Kentucky marked the wrong Perry in the pre-game scorebook, thus the barely used — three appearances that failed to total a minute — walk-on Dwight Perry was forced to start in place of regular starter Bobby Perry, forced to foul as soon as the opening tip was completed just so Bobby Perry could get in the game. Cats conjure throwback 'D'     When they got in trouble, the best of Tubby Smith’s Kentucky teams always had the same cornerstone on which to rely. Inside play lifts UK     So this is what happens when you pair a Big East team and a Southeastern Conference team in a gritty first-round NCAA Tournament game, in which the winner advances and the loser sulks until practice starts next October Kentucky 67, Villanova 58     Tubby Smith was walking off the floor when a fan called out, "Yeah, Tubby! You rock!" Big Mo keys Big Blue    Morris too much for other Wildcats     It was billed as a matchup of the mighty against the mite, the University of Kentucky's low-post power vs. Villanova's perimeter punch. Score one for Goliath. UK rode center Randolph Morris' 19 points and 11 rebounds to a 67-58 victory over Villanova in a battle of Wildcats last night in the West Regional at the United Center, extending its streak of first-round NCAA Tournament wins to 17.   Baseball No. 12 Baseball Holds On For First SEC Win    No. 12 Kentucky’s dynamic offense returned to life Saturday as the Wildcats jumped out to an early 6-1 advantage and held on for a 7-5 win against No. 9 Arkansas at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Arkansas ends Cats' 19-game win streak    Arkansas ace Nick Schmidt pitched five strong innings and No. 9 Arkansas snapped Kentucky's school-record 19-game winning streak yesterday with a 10-2 victory at Cliff Hagan Stadium yesterday. Arkansas snaps UK's baseball winning streak    Things are suddenly getting tougher for the University of Kentucky baseball team. After rolling through their pre-conference schedule undefeated, the host and No. (3-16-07)              Men Kentucky Downs Villanova in NCAA First Round    Randolph Morris finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and eighth-seeded Kentucky flexed its muscle in the second half for a 67-58 victory over ninth-seeded Villanova in the West Regional on Friday night. Cats' Morris expects a tough battle inside    Randolph Morris has heard enough about how he should have his way inside tonight against Villanova. Sense of urgency could help Kentucky    Maybe no one at Kentucky was willing to admit it a year ago, but it was obvious then the Wildcats had no team chemistry going into NCAA Tournament play. Cats moving on after SEC loss    Kentucky senior Bobby Perry doesn't think the bizarre loss to Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference Tournament last week caused in part by a free throw lane violation on Sheray Thomas will haunt UK tonight in Chicago when it plays Villanova. This fire doesn't need anymore fuel    This fire doesn't need anymore fuel. It doesn't need a first-round knockout. It doesn't need Kentucky to lose a first-round game in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987. Kentucky believes it'll win    Joe Crawford couldn't identify the TV pundits who think the University of Kentucky would lose in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Reynolds plays key role for 'Nova    Last year at this time Scottie Reynolds was getting ready to leave his home in northern Virginia and head west to the University of Oklahoma to play basketball. Reynolds, a McDonald's All-American, was part of a five-player recruiting class Sooners coach Kelvin Sampson had signed. Cats prep for Villanova    The Kentucky Wildcats have played 32 games this season, but they will face a new challenge tonight at the United Center in Chicago. Tubby, Wildcats try not to focus on critics      Even though Kentucky coach Tubby Smith is far from Lexington and the state of Kentucky, he couldn’t dodge the questions about his future with the Wildcats. UK focused on only Villanova    Players trying to tune out critics    When the Wildcats took the court for an early-evening shootaround in preparation for today's first-round NCAA Tournament game against Villanova, there were a few Big Blue fans standing. Jayhawks' Self supports Tubby    Two years ago Bill Self took Kansas into the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed and lost in the first round to Bucknell.              Women Pfeiffer helps UK advance   5 TREYS LEAD TO GAME-HIGH 21 POINTS    Jenny Pfeiffer scored a game-high 21 points, including five three-pointers, and Kentucky used a strong second-half defensive performance yesterday in Rochester, Mich., to turn back Oakland 65-56 in the opening round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament. UK advances with win over Oakland    University of Kentucky guard Jenny Pfeiffer scored a 21 points, including five three-pointers, and the Wildcats turned back host Oakland 65-56 in the Women's National Invitation Tournament yesterday.   Baseball No. 9 Arkansas Snaps Kentucky's Win Streak    Arkansas ace Nick Schmidt hurled five strong innings Friday and the No. 9 Razorbacks defeated No. 12 Kentucky 10-2 in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The win snapped Kentucky’s 19-game winning streak, which was the best in the school’s 103-year history. No. 12, Undefeated Kentucky Hosts No. 9 Arkansas     The No. 12 Kentucky baseball team puts its undefeated record on the line as it opens SEC play, hosting a three-game set with No. 9 Arkansas, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m. EDT at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-15-07)              Men This year, Cats could party like it's 1985    Disappointing season. Fan grumbling. NCAA Tournament hopes involve avoiding embarrassment. Kentucky has been here before. In 1985, the Cats slogged through a 16-12 regular season that seemingly ended with a loss to Florida in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Pitino: Tubby displays 'class and dignity'    In an NCAA Tournament news conference yesterday, Rick Pitino was asked a question about the success of his coaching tree. The former Kentucky and current Louisville coach turned his answer into a character reference for Tubby Smith. Cats could use Morris of last week    UK (21-11) enters the NCAA Tournament tomorrow with a first-round game against Villanova in the West Regional at Chicago's United Center, and while all eyes will be on UK coach Tubby Smith, more than...              Women Cats Advance Past Oakland in WNIT     Senior guard Jenny Pfeiffer scored a game-high 21 points Thursday and Kentucky used a strong second half to turn back a stingy Oakland team, 65-56, in the WNIT First Round. Cats hope to rely on post-season experience    The University of Kentucky women's basketball team begins play tonight in the Women's NIT, the third straight year the Wildcats have advanced to the post-season.   Baseball Cats stay unbeaten with 12-10 home win    Sean Coughlin went 3-for-5 with four runs scored and three RBI yesterday as UK held off Canisius for a 12-10 win at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-14-07)              Men Crawford still dealing with house fire     Since Joe Crawford has been playing basketball all his life, he can put almost anything out of his mind when he's on the basketball court. Even with success, Meeks won't rest    Freshman remembers father's lessons about competition, toughness     Orestes Meeks can't remember if his son was 9 or 10 years old. But he remembers the lesson he tried to teach. Jodie Meeks had just been named Most Valuable Player at a national baseball tournament. So he and his father packed a big trophy for the drive home. 40 fast facts about the other Wildcats    It's a 40-minute game, so 40 things to know about UK's first-round NCAA Tournament opponent, Villanova: 1. It won the 1985 NCAA Tournament by beating Georgetown in Rupp Arena. Sumpter is heart of Villanova    Villanova no longer relies on three NBA-caliber guards who were a nightmare to guard. Ankle troubles 'Nova's Nardi     Villanova point guard Mike Nardi suffered a setback Tuesday when he left practice because of lingering discomfort in his sprained left ankle. Some penetrating analysis    Coaches disagree on UK's weakness    It's a universal truth, but a particularly prudent one at the onset of March Madness, as NCAA Tournament-bound basketball coaches meet the media and do their best to avoid locker-room-wall fodder. Packer, Nantz are assigned to Wildcats' site     In terms of drawing a television audience, Kentucky remains a basketball power. The possibility of a Kentucky-Kansas game on Sunday caused CBS to assign its top announcing team to the Chicago first- and second-round site of the NCAA Tournament, play-by-play man Jim Nantz said yesterday. On the first weekend, the late-afternoon game on Sunday -- the lead-in to 60 Minutes -- has the potential to draw the highest viewership, Nantz said.              Women UK Hoops Prepares for Oakland     The Wildcats begin their postseason quest on Thursday when they face Oakland at 7 p.m. EST in Rochester, Mich., in the opening round of the WNIT. UK Hoops Headed to WNIT; 1st Rd. Tickets Available     The Kentucky women’s basketball team will be a part of postseason play for a school-record third consecutive season as it was selected to participate in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. Tickets for the first round are now available. No NCAA, but Cats earn WNIT bid     DeMoss: Team can still 'do something special'    Kentucky got its third straight post-season bid, but it wasn't the bid it wanted. Three hours after the Cats' NCAA Tournament hopes were dashed, they received a bid to the Women's National Invitation Tournament.   Baseball No. 12 Kentucky Baseball Holds Off Canisius     Sean Coughlin went 3-for-5 with four runs scored and three RBI Wednesday as Kentucky held off Canisius for a 12-10 win at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The two teams combined for 22 runs and 28 hits in UK’s final tune-up before Southeastern Conference play begins. Strong Start Paces No. 12 UK Baseball to 13-2 Win     No. 12 Kentucky exploded for seven runs in the first two innings Tuesday and starter Tommy Warner worked five strong innings to pace the Wildcats to their 18th consecutive victory, a 13-2 decision against Canisius, at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Kentucky Outfielder Collin Cowgill Out 2-5 Weeks&     Kentucky preseason All-American outfielder Collin Cowgill will undergo hand surgery Thursday and is expected to miss 2-5 weeks before returning to practice. Wright Named to the National Player of the Week Honor Roll     Kentucky freshman outfielder Brock Wright has been name to the College Baseball Foundation National Player of the Week Honor Roll, the organization announced Tuesday. Baseball Cats rout Canisius, improve to 18-0    The University of Kentucky baseball team stretched its unbeaten streak to 18 yesterday with a 13-2 victory over Canisius at Cliff Hagan Stadium. UK improves mark to 18-0 by beating Canisius 13-2    The number 12 University of Kentucky baseball team scored seven runs in the first two innings and Tommy Warner pitched five strong innings as the host Wildcats beat Canisius 13-2 for their 18th... (3-13-07)              Men Villanova coach praises UK’s talent     Villanova coach Jay Wright doesn't agree with the growing perception that the Kentucky basketball program is going through a down cycle. Kelley thought Cats would struggle without Rondo     Back in October, South Carolina senior guard Tre Kelley predicted that Kentucky would struggle with inconsistent point guard play this year. Villanova coach says UK has first-rate talent    UK FACES DEFENSIVE CHALLENGE WITH NOVA'S BALL-HANDLERS    While some might question whether Kentucky has enough talent to do well in the NCAA Tournament, Coach Tubby Smith isn't one of them. Morris worries Villanova    When the pairings for the NCAA Tournament were announced on Sunday, sixth-year Villanova head coach Jay Wright experienced deja vu. Barnhart working for Kentucky - and Tubby    University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart gave an interview to The Associated Press yesterday about Wildcats basketball coach Tubby Smith. His intent appeared to be to clarify Smith's job status for next season. Barnhart: Fans reading too much into Tubby talk       xcerpts from Associated Press reporter Jeffrey McMurray's interview with University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart:              Women UK Hoops Faces Oakland in WNIT First Round    The Kentucky women’s basketball team will be a part of postseason play for a school-record third consecutive season as it was selected to participate in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.   Baseball Two Cats combine to blank Vikings    Andrew Albers and Scott Green combined for a five-hit shutout yesterday and the top three batters in the Kentucky order accounted for eight hits and three RBI in an 8-0 win against Cleveland State at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Wildcats move to 17-0 with shutout of Cleveland State    Andrew Albers and Scott Green combined for a five-hit shutout yesterday as the University of Kentucky baseball team managed an 8-0 win against Cleveland State (2-11) at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-12-07)              Men Ky. coach Smith gets vote of confidence     Tubby Smith has good reason to believe Kentucky wants him to return next season. "Tubby's our basketball coach," athletic director Mitch Barnhart told The Associated Press on Monday. "He's done a great job of representing the platform of Kentucky basketball. We'll always look to make adjustments to the things we've got to do to get better. Tubby and I will do that collectively." Barnhart says 'Tubby's our basketball coach'     Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said in an interview Monday with The Associated Press that high school basketball players being recruited by Tubby Smith should have no reason to believe Smith won't remain as their coach. Tracking down NCAA tickets    As the Cards prepare to head to Rupp Arena, the ‘Cats to Chicago and the Hoosiers to California, how can you get your hands on tickets? Cats seeded eighth in NCAA's West Region    Most everyone agreed the one strength this Kentucky basketball team had going for it all year long was its strength of schedule. No school played a more demanding collection of basketball foes. So said the spreadsheets cooked up by computer geek Jeff Sagarin. So said the figureheads who publish the basketball numbers bible known as the Ratings Percentage Index. Cats see past seeding    A No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament neither surprised nor thrilled Kentucky. "We'd have loved to have been higher like we might have been higher in the (Southeastern Conference) Tournament, but we weren't," UK Coach Tubby Smith said on a teleconference last night. "The cards that are dealt, that's what we're going to play." UK will be in war of Wildcats    After the University of Kentucky lost to Mississippi State in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, junior guard Joe Crawford didn't want to speculate on what seed the Wildcats would get in the NCAA Tournament that starts Thursday. Cats deal with seeding, prepare for Villanova     Kentucky coach Tubby Smith thought his Wildcats merited being a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament than the one they received, but he certainly has no complaints about his team opening tourney play in Chicago Friday. Wildcats draw Villanova    It’s going to be one wild cat fight in Chicago.    The eighth-seeded Kentucky Wildcats meet the ninth-seeded Villanova Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the West Region. The game time had yet to be set as of press time. Middle of pack again for Cats    His team has struggled in close games, hasn't beaten a ranked team all season and is 6-8 against teams in this year's NCAA Tournament field. A No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament neither surprised nor thrilled...     A No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament neither surprised nor thrilled Kentucky. "We'd have loved to have been higher like we might have been higher in the (Southeastern Conference) Tournament, but we weren't," UK Coach Tubby Smith said on a teleconference last night. "The cards that are dealt, that's what we're going to play." Ramel Bradley     6-foot junior guard As Bradley goes, so go the Cats. That's what his teammates say. He blew hot and cold in the SEC Tournament. He scored 17 points and committed only two turnovers in 37 minutes against Alabama. He made only one of eight shots and tied a career high with six turnovers against Mississippi State. UK needs more of the less-is-more approach he showed on Senior Night (seven shots, 18 points) and a singular focus on not turning over the ball at crunch time.   Baseball No. 12 Kentucky Shuts Out Cleveland State, 8-0     Andrew Albers and Scott Green combined for a five-hit shutout Monday and the top three batters in the Kentucky order accounted for eight hits and three RBI in an 8-0 win against Cleveland State at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Cats off to best start in history    UK COMPLETES SWEEP OF TENNESSEE-MARTIN TO BEGIN SEASON 16-0    The Kentucky baseball team etched its name in the UK record books yesterday at Cliff Hagan Stadium, beating Tennessee-Martin 16-7 to improve to 16-0 on the season. It's the best season start in the 103-year history of the program. UK off to school-best start at 16-0 after sweeping Martin     The number 17 University of Kentucky baseball team set the mark for the best start in school history yesterday, the school said, when UK beat visiting Tennessee-Martin 16-7 to complete a three-game... (3-11-07)              Men Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket Kentucky Earns 16th Straight NCAA Tournament Bid     Kentucky earned its 16th consecutive bid to the NCAA Tournament, earning the No. 8 seed in the West Region, when the tournament bracket was announced Sunday evening. UK seeded No. 8 in the NCAA Tournament    The University of Kentucky Wildcats are seeded No. 8 in the NCAA Tournament and will play the No. 9 seeded Villanova Wildcats Friday in Chicago. Meeks Named Freshman All-America     Kentucky freshman guard Jodie Meeks has been named to the Collegeinsider.com Freshman All-America team as announced by the organization. Confident Cats profess tournament toughness    PLAYERS BELIEVE CLOSE LOSSES HARDENED TEAM FOR NCAA RUN    Kentucky lost to Mississippi State in Friday's quarterfinal game of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. But the Cats were not defeated, at least in a figurative sense. A staff shake-up in the works?    Speculation on who could help UK's recruiting    Kentucky's participation in this year's Southeastern Conference Tournament included action off the court as well as on. Will UK retain Tubby Smith as coach? Basketball people found it implausible that the school could fire a coach with Smith's record. UK could slip to a ninth seed in NCAA tournament     What's next for Kentucky? Morris, high school coach miss meeting up     Even though Randolph Morris tried to leave Kentucky after his freshman season to play in the NBA, his former high school coach says a professional career was never Morris' main focus. Meeks named to freshman team     Kentucky freshman guard Jodie Meeks is one of 16 players on the Collegeinsider.com Freshman All-America Team. Cats' résumé not as strong as it might seem    For the University of Kentucky men's basketball team, sitting down to watch the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on a Sunday night each March isn't a question of finding out whether you go to the Big... UK must move past SEC tourney setback    Cats change focus to NCAA draw    For two days at the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Randolph Morris poured perspiration onto the basketball court at the Georgia Dome. The C-J's Sunday College Basketball Notebook    Coaching Cats is a passion for Smith    There's been much discussion in recent weeks about the job status of UK coach Tubby Smith. But last week Smith sounded like a man who plans to stay put.   Baseball Baseball Sets School Record, Improves to 16-0     The No. 17 Kentucky baseball team etched its name in the UK record books Sunday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium, beating Tennessee-Martin 16-7 to improve to 16-0 on the season, laying claim to the school record for the best season start in the 103-year history of the Wildcat baseball program. Freshmen nearly perfect in 27-0 win    NO-HITTER BROKEN UP IN NINTH INNING    The University of Kentucky baseball team routed visiting Tennessee-Martin 27-0 yesterday at Cliff Hagan Stadium to improve to 15-0 and tie the 2000 club for the best start in the program's 103-year history. Wildcats move to 15-0 with biggest win in school history    The University of Kentucky baseball team beat visiting Tennessee-Martin 27-0 yesterday, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning and improving to 15-0, tying for the team's best start. (3-10-07)              Men Stunned Wildcats can only wait and hope    This was not how it was supposed to end. Not after the riveting comeback that made up for a colossal defensive meltdown. U of L, UK have to wait for tournament berths     It's going to be a long Saturday for Louisville and Kentucky fans after both squads lost in their respective conference tournaments Friday. A LAME VIOLATION    Cats fall after confusion at foul line    Freshman Jodie Meeks had missed only two of his 39 free throws since Kentucky played Louisville on Dec. 16. So when he stepped to the line to shoot two free throws with 5.1 seconds left and UK ahead by two points, teammate Bobby Perry sensed a sweet comeback victory over Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Morris' career game goes for naught    BIG CAT POSTS PERSONAL HIGHS IN POINTS, REBOUNDS    Lost in a bizarre loss to Mississippi State was arguably Randolph Morris' finest game as a Kentucky player. In the 84-82 overtime loss yesterday, Morris set career highs for points (29), rebounds (15), free-throw attempts (18) and free throws made (13). That completed a stellar two games for Morris in his hometown. He scored 46 points, grabbed 26 rebounds and made 16 of 25 shots (64 percent). Last play of UK's loss wasn't the only mistake    Kentucky won't be playing in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals Saturday because of a series of late-game blunders yesterday. Free throw miscue cost Cats a chance to advance     All Jodie Meeks had to do was make another free throw and there would be no chance for a miraculous Mississippi State shot to deny Kentucky a victory. Mississippi State drops Cats 84-82 in OT     Jamont Gordon scored 26 points, including a tying 3-pointer after Kentucky squandered a chance to win in regulation with a lane violation, and Mississippi State took advantage for an 84-82 overtime victory Friday in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament. Mississippi State 84, Kentucky 82, OT     Kentucky was set to advance in the Southeastern Conference tournament. The Wildcats merely needed Jodie Meeks to sink one more free throw, and the freshman had not missed from the line all day. Big whistle, big shot send Wildcats packing    Bulldogs hand UK another close loss    It's become a habit for the University of Kentucky to lose this kind of down-to-the wire basketball game. But something about an 84-82 overtime loss to Mississippi State yesterday in the second round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament seemed different. Lane violation was the call before the fall    In a somber University of Kentucky locker room, the prevailing opinion was that an official's call had cost the Wildcats the game yesterday in an 84-82 loss to Mississippi State. Thomas was just following instructions    Sheray Thomas sat in his locker. Inside it. His legs stretched straight out. His head against the back left corner. Eyes closed.   Baseball Baseball Improves to 15-0, Ties School Record     After demolishing the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks to the tune of 27-0 on Saturday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium, the No. 17 Kentucky baseball team improved to 15-0, tying the 2000 club for the best start in the 103-year history of the Wildcat baseball program. Coughlin breaks tie, Cats stay unbeaten     Sean Coughlin's two-run double in the sixth inning broke a 4-4 tie and Kentucky held on for a 6-4 victory over Tennessee-Martin (2-8) yesterday at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-9-07)              Men Bulldogs hold off Cats in OT    CATS RALLY FROM 14 DOWN IN 2ND HALF    Trailing by two with 3.7 seconds left in overtime, UK's inbounds pass was tipped then recovered by Mississippi State's Jamont Gordon, who held onto the ball and let the clock expire for the win. Gordon finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Cats lose to Bulldogs, 84-82    The University of Kentucky Wildcats lost to the Mississippi State Bulldogs in their SEC tournament game today. Cats Fall to Bulldogs in Overtime    Randolph Morris' 29 points and 15 rebounds were not enough as Kentucky fell to Mississippi State, 84-82, in overtime of the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament, Friday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Mississippi State 84, Kentucky 82 OT     Kentucky has lost in overtime to Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference tournament today, 84-to-82. Manual's Jenkins lists UK; not ready to commit    One of the state’s top young high school basketball talents finished his sophomore season on Wednesday when Ballard thumped Manual in the Seventh Region Tournament. Cats face No. 1 seed Bulldogs    Expect a tough one. State is an athletic team, which has given Kentucky trouble this year. And the Bulldogs are playing well, winning five of their last seven to take the top seed in the SEC West. Morris heads 'em up    Big man shows he's in it to win it, turns in 'monster' game in opener    When Kentucky lost at Alabama last month, Randolph Morris committed a career-high eight turnovers and said his head wasn't in the game. Cats find each other in Atlanta    There was one major difference between the Kentucky-Alabama basketball game in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 17 and the Kentucky-Alabama basketball game here at the Southeastern Conference Tournament yesterday. Wildcats take advantage of chance to start over     Tired of talking about how their season hasn't unfolded the way they had hoped, the University of Kentucky Wildcats finally did something about it. Restless Meeks has dream performance    The night before one of the biggest games of his young career, falling asleep turned out to be more difficult than actually playing for University of Kentucky freshman Jodie Meeks. Atlanta's asking about Tubby Smith and the Cats     Go anywhere in the Georgia Dome here and as soon as someone realizes you cover Kentucky basketball, the question is coming. Jodie Meeks is a basketball junkie     Years ago, Jodie Meeks dreamed of playing during March Madness and making a big impact for his college team. Wildcats are fit to beat Tide    UK shows old SEC form in 79-67 1st-round win    The blue-clad fans were screaming, the Georgia Dome was rocking and the team from the University of Kentucky was playing its best basketball. In dispatching Alabama 79-67 in a first-round game yesterday, the Wildcats advanced to meet Mississippi State today. Morris' game could decide Cats' postseason    There's no question where Randolph Morris' head was yesterday. Today's game at a glace    Game time: 1 p.m. Site: Georgia Dome, Atlanta. Favorite: UK by 2. Series: UK leads 84-17. Last meeting: Host UK won 64-60 on Jan. 13. Next up for UK: versatile Gordon and Miss. State       In beating Alabama yesterday in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, the University of Kentucky caught a break.   Baseball Coughlin Hits Game-Winning Double, as UK Wins 6-4     Sean Coughlin broke open a tie game in the bottom of the sixth inning with a game-winning, two-run double, as the No. 17 Kentucky baseball team squeaked out a 6-4 win over Tennessee-Martin, on a beautiful evening at Cliff Hagan Stadium. No. 17 Kentucky Hosts UT Martin in 3-Game Set     The No. 17 Kentucky baseball team prepares to defend the nations longest home regular season winning streak, as it plays host to the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in a three-game set, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. EST at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Football Three football players suspended    ACADEMIC REASONS CITED BY BROOKS    University of Kentucky football players Micah Johnson, Christian Johnson and Garry Williams have been suspended indefinitely for academic reasons, UK Coach Rich Brooks said yesterday. The three players have not been participating in the team's off-season activities for several weeks. Brooks said he didn't know if the three players would be with the team when the Wildcats open spring practice on March 28. UK suspends 3 players, dismisses 1; 2 quit University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks announced the suspensions of Garry Williams, Christian Johnson and Micah Johnson yesterday for academic reasons, but did not rule out their return... Micah Johnson suspended from Wildcats for academic reasons     Kentucky star linebacker Micah Johnson is among three Wildcat players who have been suspended indefinitely for academic reasons, the school announced Thursday. Kentucky suspends Johnson for academics     Kentucky star linebacker Micah Johnson is among three Wildcat players who have been suspended indefinitely for academic reasons, the school announced Thursday. (3-8-07)              Men Cats Advance Past Tide, 79-67    Five Wildcats scored in double figures led by 17 apiece from Randolph Morris and Ramel Bradley as Kentucky advanced to the second round of the SEC Tournament with a 79-67 victory over Alabama Thursday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Cats beat Bama, move on    When Kentucky lost at Alabama last month, Randolph Morris committed a career-high eight turnovers and said his head wasn’t in the game. Morris’ head was in Thursday’s rematch in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. So was his heart and his spirit. This day, all is well in the Big Blue Nation     For at least one day, all is well in Wildcatland. Notes from UK's win over Alabama     Kentucky is 19-3 all-time in the Georgia Dome, including 15-3 in SEC Tournament play. Cats will face Mississippi State on Friday     Long before he watched Kentucky play here today, Mississippi State coach Rick Stansbury knew one thing about the Wildcats. Cats beat Bama 79-67 to open SEC tourney     Kentucky would have preferred to wait another day to start the Southeastern Conference tournament. Fortunately for the Wildcats, they were at a place that feels just like home. Kentucky 79, Alabama 67     Kentucky would have preferred to wait another day to start the Southeastern Conference tournament. Fortunately for the Wildcats, they were at a place that feels just like home. Kentucky damages 'Bama's hopes     Ramel Bradley and Randolph Morris scored 17 points apiece to lead five players in double figures and Kentucky romped to another victory in Atlanta, overcoming a slow start to beat Alabama 79-67 in the opening round of the SEC Tournament. Kentucky stops slide by downing 'Bama in SEC     Kentucky started out a bit sluggish, looking very much like a team that didn't want to be playing the first game of the Southeastern Conference tournament. Tough talk surrounds SEC opener    CATS, TIDE SAY THEY MUST COME OUT SWINGING TO PROVE THEMSELVES    Figuratively speaking, Kentucky and Alabama stressed the importance of throwing the first punch in their first-round game in the Southeastern Conference Tournament today. Ironically, each comes into the game off a season in which its coach questioned his team's toughness Tide's Steele doesn't scare Bradley    BRADLEY: 'IT'S JUST IN MY NATURE NOT TO BACK DOWN'    Perhaps because he saw a reporter's furrowed brow while noting that Alabama point guard Ronald Steele would play in today's game, Joe Crawford laughed. Meeks hopes to settle in at home     Jodie Meeks has never played a game in the cavernous Georgia Dome, but he doesn't think the unfamiliar environment will rattle him. Smith talks about stress relief; Morris honored     Kentucky coach Tubby Smith says he has no choice but to embrace all the hoopla that goes with his position. Stevenson understands he has work to do   He's learned about Big Blue Madness. He's seen the fireworks and capacity crowds at Rupp Arena. He's experienced being on the visiting team in hostile Southeastern Conference venues. UK has plenty to prove in Atlanta    But so does Alabama – an NCAA bubble team    Conventional wisdom says that Alabama has a motivational edge today in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Today's game at a glace    Game time: 1 p.m. Site: Georgia Dome, Atlanta. Favorite: UK by 4. Series: UK leads 95-35. Last meeting: Host Alabama won 72-61 on Feb. 17. Pitino defends Smith, says he has 'no chance' of being fired    Embattled University of Kentucky men's basketball coach Tubby Smith received an unsolicited endorsement yesterday from a guy who helped create such high expectations.   Baseball No. 17 Kentucky Throttles Cincinnati 21-7     Sean Coughlin, Brian Spear, Matt McKinney, and Brock Wright homered, as the No. 17 Kentucky baseball team plated 17 unanswered runs to throttle the Cincinnati Bearcats 21-7, on Wednesday evening at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Wildcats blow away Bearcats in baseball    Sean Coughlin, Brian Spear, Matt McKinney and Brock Wright homered as the No. 17 University of Kentucky baseball team scored 17 unanswered runs to rout the visiting Cincinnati Bearcats 21-7 yesterday. (3-7-07)              Men Pitino: UK won't replace Smith    A former Kentucky coach all but guaranteed Wednesday that UK will retain Tubby Smith. Injuries may slow Alabama against UK    Alabama enters its first-round Southeastern Conference tournament game against the University of Kentucky in a good state of mind. Steele likely to play against Cats, but Davidson may be out     Alabama apparently will have junior point guard Ronald Steele in the lineup against Kentucky Thursday, but the Crimson Tide could be without senior center Jermareo Davidson. Crawford says UK has 'huge opportunity'      Kentucky junior guard Joe Crawford doesn't bill himself as a tough guy. Pitino: Tubby is irreplaceable    Embattled University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith received an unsolicited endorsement yesterday from the guy who helped create such high expectations. Wildcats Enter Postseason Play in CAT-lanta    The two schools with the most historical success in the SEC Tournament square off in the first game of this year’s event when Kentucky clashes with Alabama Thursday at 1:00 p.m. ET at the Georgia Dome. Kentucky, Alabama seek toughness in SEC tourney    If the coaches have their way, Thursday's Kentucky-Alabama game could turn into its own episode of Survivor. Morris Selected to USBWA All-District Team     Kentucky junior center Randolph Morris has been selected to the United States Basketball Writers’ Association District IV All-District team as announced by the organization this afternoon. Smith says he's the right guy for UK    KENTUCKY COACH CONFIDENT ON NATIONAL RADIO SHOW    Embattled Coach Tubby Smith declared himself as the right person to return Kentucky basketball to the dominance it enjoyed under his and his predecessors' guidance. UK, other schools switching to XM     The Southeastern Conference said yesterday that it reached a five-year contract with XM Satellite Radio to air football and basketball games starting with the upcoming men's basketball tournament, but not all of the league's 12 universities are part of the deal. 'Cats looking for new start     Wallowing in self-pity wasn't going to change the fact that the University of Kentucky completed a mediocre Southeastern Conference season for the second straight year. UK trustees doubt they'll weigh in on basketball coach     Several members of the University of Kentucky's Board of Trustees expressed reluctance Tuesday to wade into any decision about the future of head basketball coach Tubby Smith. Cats may reach SEC final    After a thoroughly uninspiring Southeastern Conference season, the University of Kentucky men's basketball team could have an easy run in the SEC Tournament.   Baseball No. 17 Kentucky Hosts Northern Rival Cincinnati    The No. 17 Kentucky baseball team, off to the second best start in the 103-year history of the Wildcat baseball program, looks to continue its streaking start, as it plays host to the Cincinnati Bearcats, 4 p.m. EST Wednesday at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-6-07)              Men Southeastern Conference men's bracket     Pressure on Smith could backfire    BARNHART'S GAME OF CHICKEN MAY HAVE UNINTENDED RESULTS    History will show that Mitch Barnhart did Rich Brooks a gigantic favor at the end of the 2004 football season. That is when the University of Kentucky athletics director saved his head football coach from the coach's own advanced sense of loyalty. Kentucky lucky with opponent injuries    Bama's Steele might be out     Since Jan. 13, Kentucky has beaten one team that was at full strength: last-place South Carolina. UK romped 87-49 at Columbia in January and held on for dear life against the visiting Gamecocks 95-89 in February. /font> Tide could be without Steele against UK    Alabama coach Mark Gottfried doesn't expect to know until at least Wednesday whether starting point guard Ronald Steele will play or not when the Crimson Tide faces Kentucky. Alabama point guard might miss UK game    The status of Alabama point guard Ronald Steele is undecided for the Crimson Tide's game against the University of Kentucky in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Here's a look at league's best    The Southeastern Conference men's basketball tournament starts Thursday in Atlanta's Georgia Dome with perhaps more teams than ever battling for an NCAA at-large berth given the way the regular season unfolded. Crawford loses more than a game    Recent fire to family's home makes focusing on hoops hard    IIt's been three weeks since his family's home in Detroit caught fire, three weeks since the bedrooms of Joe Crawford and his younger brothers, Jordan and Jalen, were burned in an electrical fire.   Baseball Coughlin on National Player of the Week Honor Roll    Kentucky slugger Sean Coughlin has been named to the College Baseball Foundation National Player of the Week Honor Roll, the organization announced Tuesday morning. Wildcats' hot week earns big boost in baseball polls    The University of Kentucky baseball team entered the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 coaches' poll at No. 20 yesterday after finishing the week 5-0. (3-5-07)              Men Bradley has fightin' words    'WE'VE GOT TO GET BACK TO BEING THE INTIMIDATORS'    For 20 minutes they stood toe to toe. Bobby Perry hit shots. Ramel Bradley pushed the ball up the floor. Kentucky attacked. Florida attacked. Back and forth it went. Halftime arrived with the score tied. Gators show UK who's boss for 6th time in row    The gigantic sign held by a few Florida fans was a forecast of what was to come: another historic victory for the No. 5 Gators and another image-tarnishing loss for the University of Kentucky that no longer has a super-human grip on the Southeastern Conference. Ref ends trash-talk battle    A bizarre incident unfolded in the final three minutes of the University of Kentucky's 85-72 loss at No. 5 Florida on Sunday afternoon. Gators show UK their hot hands    Shoot 64 percent in 85-72 victory    By the end of the game the sign was outdated -- Florida's 85-72 win before 12,614 fans was its sixth straight against UK -- and, at least in the eyes of the Cats, the game was a thing of the past. Cats eager to start second season     After losing 85-72 at Florida to end a disappointing regular season, Kentucky spoke of the fresh start afforded by tournament play. Noah, Green power No. 5 Florida past UK     Joakim Noah and Taurean Green scored 17 points apiece and No. 5 Florida beat Kentucky 85-72 on Sunday, becoming the first Southeastern Conference team to win six in a row against the Wildcats.   Baseball Coughlin Named SEC Player of the Week     Kentucky catcher Sean Coughlin has been named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday afternoon. Cats pound Panthers 18-2 for series sweep    Mike Brown and Sean Coughlin combined for nine hits, eight RBI, and six runs as the Kentucky baseball team swept Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an 18-2 thrashing at Cliff Hagan Stadium yesterday. Coughlin's 3 doubles, triple propel UK to rout    Mike Brown and Sean Coughlin combined for nine hits, eight RBIs and six runs as the No..... (3-4-07)              Men Cats Fall at No. 5 Florida, 85-72     Joakim Noah and Taurean Green scored 17 points apiece to help Florida beat Kentucky 85-72 on Sunday. Bobby Perry led the Cats with 20 points. A calmer Bradley is a better Bradley    For Kentucky guard Ramel Bradley, less was more against Georgia. Bradley took only seven shots, yet scored 18 points in UK's victory on Wednesday. That marked only the fourth time all season his point total doubled his number of shots. Wildcats Close Out Regular Season at Florida    With another 20-win season safely tucked away, Kentucky closes out the regular season against league champion and fourth-ranked Florida in Gainesville. Tipoff at the O'Connell Center is noon ET. The urge to surge    Both UK, UF could use a lift for tourney    This time there's no GameDay, no Dick Vitale and no No. 1 team in the nation. But today's Kentucky-Florida game retains big-time aura and importance. Smith has earned chance to rebound    Let's go on record right here, right now. Before Kentucky plays Florida today in Gainesville. Before the Cats open SEC Tournament play on Thursday. Before the Cats head on to their 15th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance next week. Experts weigh in on Tubby debate     Kentucky basketball has lost some luster. But if Kentucky fires Tubby Smith, the school should be prepared to take a public relations beating. Change of address    Longtime p.a. announcer Bruce reflects on years at UK mike    Everyone knew that Kentucky's game against Georgia last Wednesday would be the final Rupp Arena appearance for UK seniors Bobby Perry, Sheray Thomas and Lukasz Obrzut. What we'll see     Today Questions surround the UK men's team heading into their regular-season finale: Do the Wildcats have what it takes to beat a ranked team? Will Randolph Morris start? What did Joakim Noah mean by "Kitty-Cats?" And the biggest question: If UK beats the now-vulnerable Gators in Gainesville, will Cats fans still find a reason to boo Tubby Smith? Gators go for sixth win in a row against UK    But Florida seems suddenly beatable    As the unranked Cats (20-9, 9-6 SEC) enter today's game with league champion Florida (25-5, 12-3) at the O'Connell Center, the storylines are dramatically different than they were just three weeks...              Women What we saw     Sounds all rosy to us Go ahead, make their day Who was that guy? Playing way into WNIT Mickie DeMoss tossed it off as only a flesh wound, but a 32-point beating in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals can't make the NCAA too eager to light up its welcome sign. Football Prospect's blood has blue tinge    Manual's Ulinski might follow grandfather's footsteps    The University of Kentucky has jumped out to an early lead on one of the top juniors in the state. Manual's Dave Ulinski, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound defensive tackle and grandson of former UK standout Harry Ulinski, said this week that the Wildcats are at the top of his early list. Ulinski attended Kentucky's Junior Day festivities the weekend of the UK-Florida basketball game.   Baseball Baseball Secures Sweep, Thrashes UW-Milwaukee 18-2     Mike Brown and Sean Coughlin combined for nine hits, eight RBI, and six runs as the No. 21 Kentucky baseball team secured the sweep by thrashing the Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers 18-2, on Sunday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium. (3-3-07)              Men Noah's pet name for UK: Kitty-Cats     Already one of the more animated players in college basketball, Florida center Joakim Noah says he needs to play with even more enthusiasm to break out of a slump. Todd backs Barnhart on Tubby's status     In response to an interview request from the Herald-Leader on the status of Tubby Smith and the University of Kentucky men's basketball program, UK President Lee T. Todd instead issued the following statement: Morris could be the Cats' new supersub      SMITH SEES SOME ADVANTAGES TO HOLDING TOP SCORER IN RESERVE, STARTING OBRZUT      The question stumped Randolph Morris: What supersub in basketball history did Kentucky's leading scorer admire? "Hmmm," he said yesterday. "I never really thought of that. I don't really look at subs as key to the game, although Jodie (Meeks) for us is a great sub ... If I had to look up at anybody, it'd be Jodie Meeks." Morris shrugs off taunts on road    Whether he likes it or not, University of Kentucky center Randolph Morris is a heckler's dream. Kentucky hope less glitz in Florida rematch will help spark upset    There will be no pregame studio show from ESPN, no record crowd of blue-clad fans filling Rupp Arena, no golden opportunity to knock off the nation's top team in the midst of a lengthy winning streak. Off the bench, he's not reserved    Morris might be best as a 6th man    They're called the "Rowdy Reptiles," and the student basketball fans at Florida have a reputation for being as merciless as they are loud. Randolph Morris figures he can handle it. The University of Kentucky center has heard the best — and worst — that student sections in the Southeastern Conference have to offer.              Women In or out? Cats await answer from NCAA     The waiting game begins now for four Southeastern Conference teams -- including Kentucky -- hoping to get into the NCAA Tournament. UK sets records, but not the right kind    WOMEN HIT FEWEST FG'S, LOWEST PERCENTAGE IN TOURNEY HISTORY    Kentucky followed one of its best performances of the season with one of its worst at the worst possible time. The Cats hit new lows in points scored and field-goal percentage and suffered their worst loss of the season, 72-40 to No. 10 Georgia in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Wildcats fall to Georgia in SEC tourney   Tenth-ranked Georgia held the University of Kentucky scoreless for the first eight minutes and rolled to a 72-40 victory yesterday in the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Duluth, Ga.   Baseball Howe, Rusin Pace No. 21 Kentucky to 7-3 Win     Tyler Howe drove in two runs and Chris Rusin struck out a career-high nine batters, as the No. 21 Kentucky baseball team edged the Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers 7-3, on Saturday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium. No. 21 Kentucky Pummels UW-Milwaukee 16-3     Sean Coughlin and Ryan Wilkes drove in five runs each, as the No. 21 Kentucky baseball team plated 16 unanswered runs to pummel Wisconsin Milwaukee 16-3, on a windy evening at Cliff Hagan Stadium. 'Little things' add up to big win for Cats    BLOWOUT COMES WITHOUT BENEFIT OF A HOME RUN    No matter which way the wind blows, Kentucky knows how to score runs. That much is clear after the baseball Wildcats improved to 10-0 yesterday with a 16-3 blowout of visiting Wisconsin-Milwaukee. (3-2-07)              Men Bradley says Cats have extra motivation against Florida     Ramel Bradley already knew what beating Florida might do to help rejuvenate Kentucky's season. Perry has friendly rivalry with Florida's Humphrey     Normally Bobby Perry would cherish any moment he's not in the spotlight because of his status as a University of Kentucky basketball player. Tubby talks of making Morris a reserve    Randolph Morris already is the University of Kentucky basketball team’s top scorer and rebounder. Losses put Gators on the defense    FLORIDA'S FOES SHOT 55.6 PERCENT IN 3 LOSSES    After losing only two games in the season's first three months, Florida lost three times in the last two weeks. That's the trajectory the Gators take into Sunday's regular-season finale against visiting Kentucky. Wildcat Nation needs jolt of fun    UT coaches' stunts recall UK's zany '90s     If you're like me, the sight of Pat Summitt in a cheerleading outfit is an image you could have happily gone for all eternity without. Perry, Wildcats poised for run?    The March mojo University of Kentucky senior Bobby Perry summoned last season with two outstanding games in the NCAA tournament arrived a little early - or late, depending on your perspective. Did Cats find key to solve Gators?    Florida seemed vexed by defensive pressure    Twenty-one days ago the Florida men's basketball team was on a roll. Billy Donovan's Gators were the nation's No. 1 team and had won 15 straight games by an average of 16.4 points. Only three of those games had been decided by fewer than 10 points. Donovan sings Tubby's praises     Both served under Pitino at Kentucky     Though speculation about Tubby Smith's job status has run rampant this week, the University of Kentucky men's basketball coach found a defender yesterday.              Women Georgia Defeats Cats in SEC Quarterfinals     Georgia held Kentucky scoreless for the first 8 minutes and rolled to a 72-40 victory over the Wildcats Friday in the SEC tournament. Georgia 72, UK 40     Kentucky followed one of its best performances of the season with one of its worst today in the quarterfinals of the Southeastnern Conference Tournament. Winning from the post    Humphrey has 21 points, 19 boards and eight assists    72 57 Kentucky Arkansas Jennifer Humphrey was a player on a mission for a team on a mission. That mission is to convince the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee that Kentucky deserves another look. Wildcats advance in SEC tournament    Jennifer Humphrey came within two assists of a triple-double, scoring 21 points with 19 rebounds, to keep Kentucky's NCAA tournament hopes alive on Thursday. With 'game of her career,' Humphrey carries Wildcats    Near triple-double in 72-57 triumph    Jennifer Humphrey came within two assists of a triple-double, getting 21 points and 19 rebounds, to keep the University of Kentucky women's basketball team's NCAA Tournament hopes alive yesterday.   Baseball UK baseball puts perfect season on line     The Kentucky baseball team will look to stay undefeated when it plays host to the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers in a three-game series, beginning today at 4 p.m. (3-1-07)              Men Senior might lifts Cats    Perry has season-high 22 points as UK ties Vols for 3rd in East   For four years, critics have carped about the quality of Kentucky's current senior class. Fact is, Bobby Perry, Sheray Thomas and Lukasz Obrzut will not go down in the annals of UK hoops for stellar careers. New guard solid for Cats     On a night when Kentucky paid homage to its graduating seniors, the future of Kentucky basketball stole at least part of the spotlight. Kentucky now eyeing Florida     Derrick Jasper said he heard it's "crazy," and Jodie Meeks isn't sure what to expect. Billy Donovan defends Tubby     Though speculation about Tubby Smith’s job status has run rampant this week, the University of Kentucky basketball coach found a defender today. Perry has huge finale     Bobby Perry didn't get caught up in the hype during senior night festivities on Wednesday at Rupp Arena. 'A win like this' is welcome relief    By Kentucky basketball's epic standards, it seemed the strangest of Senior Nights. A senior class long on character but short on star-power. Perry's big game steadies Wildcats    Playing in his final collegiate game at Rupp Arena on Wednesday night, University of Kentucky senior Bobby Perry left the fans with something to remember him by. Perry, Cat seniors end Rupp careers on high notes    Bobby Perry left the Rupp Arena court with a big smile on his face. Wildcats find cure for their big blues    Perry keys feel-good Senior Night victory    The chant started behind the University of Kentucky bench, as unmistakable last night as it seemed unlikely a day before. Senior class gets its night to hold court    It was a night to forget about the new 10-loss tradition, the makeup of Tubby Smith's coaching staff and the state of the University of Kentucky basketball program. Alleyne in attendance to send off seniors     For one night, The Shagari Safari was back in Rupp. Shagari Alleyne did not allow the fact that he's no longer a member of the Kentucky basketball team keep him away from what would have been his Senior Night. Perry's final act at Rupp lifts Kentucky    Bobby Perry scored a season-high 22 points while hitting four 3-pointers in his final game at Rupp Arena as Kentucky broke out of a slump with an 82-70 SEC win over Georgia on Wednesday. Wildcats end skid against Bulldogs     Kentucky coach Tubby Smith has often told forward Bobby Perry that he does too much thinking and not enough shooting.              Women Humphrey and Cats Advance to QF of SEC Tourney    Playing in her last SEC Tournament, senior Jennifer Humphrey took over against Arkansas with 21 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists, leading UK to a 72-57 victory over the Lady'Backs. UK advances to play Georgia    HUMPHREY TWO ASSISTS SHY OF TRIPLE-DOUBLE    It was Jennifer Humphrey’s day and she made sure it was Kentucky’s day in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Elliott, Mahoney Earn Postseason Honors     Kentucky juniors Sarah Elliott and Samantha Mahoney each were named to the All-Southeastern Conference team for the 2006-07 season, the league office in Birmingham, Ala., announced Tuesday. Both players were named to the second team. 'Hungry' Cats in need of big week at SECs    Kentucky's players have experienced losses this season that have left their hearts hurting and their stomachs in knots. The Cats have lost in overtime three times. They've lost three close games to ranked teams.   Baseball 9-0 Baseball Plays Hosts to Wisconsin Milwaukee     The No. 21 Kentucky baseball team looks to keep up its winning ways, as it plays host to the Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers in a three-game set, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. EST.

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