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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Consecutive double-digit conference losses
had Kentucky coach Tubby Smith proclaiming it was time to ease up
on the inside game and increase the tempo a bit.
But the power game proved to be the only reliable method of
scoring Wednesday night as the Wildcats (No. 16 ESPN/USA Today, No. 19 Associated Press) held off a late charge to beat injury-riddled Alabama 66-54.
|  | | Kentucky's Jamaal Magloire puts up a shot over Alabama's Erwin Dudley, left. |
The victory snapped a two-game losing streak and moved the
Wildcats (18-7, 8-3 Southeastern Conference) into a second-place
tie with Florida in the Eastern Division, one game behind
Tennessee.
Jamaal Magloire scored 16 points and Tayshaun Prince added 14,
most coming on putbacks or drives, as Kentucky won its 17th
straight home game.
Forwards Jules Camara and Marvin Stone, who both missed practice
time this week because of injuries, helped solidify the interior
game, coming off the bench to combine for 19 points, 13 rebounds
and four blocked shots.
That was a good thing as the Wildcats shot only 41 percent,
including a dismal 2-of-23 from 3-point range.
"We did push and run the ball, we just didn't put points on the
scoreboard," Smith said. "We certainly did not shoot the ball
well tonight, even with open looks. We shot the ball well in
practice, it just didn't carry over.
"I think we're still a little hesitant and not going up smooth.
Their zone gave us some problems and that's something we have to
resolve."
Alabama (11-12, 4-7) shot 32 percent from the field (19-of-59),
hitting more 3-point baskets (11) than two-pointers (8). The
Crimson Tide made only one of their first eight shots to open the
game and missed their first 10 shots of the second half, giving the
Wildcats a chance to take control of both halves.
"We put ourselves in a hole," Alabama coach Mark Gottfried
said. "In the first half, we had some turnovers and got into a
hurried pace."
Alabama had been forced because of injuries to play their last
two games with only six scholarship players. Guard Schea Cotton and
forward Sam Haginas returned against the Wildcats but were
ineffective, contributing a total of six points and three rebounds
in 20 minutes.
Freshman guard Rod Grizzard picked up the slack, scoring 14 of
his game-high 20 points in the second half as the Tide trimmed an
18-point deficit to only five late in the game.
Grizzard hit 4-of-8 3-pointers and Terrance Meade added 4-of-9
and finished with 13 points.
"I was very impressed with Grizzard and Meade," Smith said.
"Both of them made a lot of 3s. One of the things we were trying
to do was defend the 3-point shot, and we didn't do a very good
job."
Alabama trailed 52-36 with 11:13 to play when Grizzard scored
eight points in a 13-2 run to pull the Tide within 54-49 with 2:57
remaining.
Following a putback by Prince, Kentucky forced a shot-clock
violation on Alabama's next possession. Two free throws by Magloire
gave the Wildcats a 58-49 lead with 1:43 to play, and the Tide
would get no closer.
"I was proud of our players," Gottfried said. "We kept
fighting and got to where we were shooting fouls shots to cut it to
four. We just didn't seem to have enough."
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ALSO SEE
Mens College Basketball Scoreboard
Alabama Clubhouse
Kentucky Clubhouse
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