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Cats Light it Up!
The South Carolina Gamecocks had no chance. With Kentucky connecting on 13 of 22 from beyond the arc (59.1%) and shooting 51.7% overall, Carolina was run off their own court, and on senior day, no less. Cliff Hawkins led the charge, scoring a career high 21 points, including 5 three-pointers, to go along with 11 assists, which matches his career-best. Gerald Fitch made all 4 of his three-point attempts, and added 16 points and 7 rebounds.
While the Cats struggled at home in their first meeting with South Carolina, 65-64, their hot-shooting enabled them to cruise to victory this time. The Gamecocks had an early 10-9 lead six minutes into the game, buth Kentucky closed the half with a 31-14 run, on the strength of 5 threes, and took a 38-24 lead into the locker-room. The second half saw the Cats continue to pour it on, as they made 10 of their first 14 shots. Suddenly, Carolina found itself down 62-33 with 12 minutes to go. They tried to put together a comeback with a 14-1 run to make it 63-47, and eventually pulled to within 74-59. They would get no closer, however, as Gerald Fitch nailed consecutive three-pointers to put the home team away for good.
Despite the incredible offensive performance, Coach Tubby Smith saw plenty for his team to work on before Senior Day against Florida. The UK coach will certainly look for his team to improve in two specific areas: taking care of the ball and free-throw shooting. Thc Cats turned the ball over 19 times and made just 9 of 19 from the free throw line.
Box Score
UP NEXT...
UK v. Florida
Kentucky
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Florida
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| Pos. |
Player |
Ht/Wt |
Yr |
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Pos. |
Player |
Ht/Wt |
Yr |
| G |
Cliff Hawkins |
6-1/187 |
Sr |
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|
G |
Anthony Roberson |
6-1/180 |
So |
| G |
Gerald Fitch |
6-3/188 |
Sr |
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|
G |
Lee Humphrey |
6-2/180 |
Fr |
| F |
Antwain Barbour |
6-5/195 |
Sr |
|
|
F |
Matt Walsh |
6-6/205 |
So |
| F |
Chuck Hayes |
6-6/247 |
Jr |
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|
F |
David Lee |
6-9/240 |
Jr |
| F |
Erik Daniels |
6-8/214 |
Sr |
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C |
Adrian Moss |
6-9/238 |
So |
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*NOTE: Coach Tubby Smith has said that all 5 Kentucky seniors, Fitch, Barbour, Daniels, Hawkins, and Heissenbuttel will start the game. Heissenbuttel will likely be out first, with Hayes or Azuibuike taking his place.
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