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No. 1 Tennessee Squeaks by Pesky Kentucky

Visiting Wildcats play tough despite missing stud frosh Patterson

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 2, 2008 7:42 PM CST
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(Newser) – Top-ranked Tennessee played host to an inspired and shorthanded Kentucky team, edging the Wildcats, 63-60, and moving closer to its first regular season title in the Southeastern Conference in 41 years. There were several second-half lead changes before UT forged ahead late thanks to the play of Tyler Smith, who had nine points down the stretch, writes The Tennessean.

“Coach wanted us to go inside and it worked,” Smith said. “It was a team effort that got us this win.” Tennessee, 26-3 overall and coming off a loss Tuesday against Vanderbilt, controlled the first half but couldn't shake the gritty Wildcats, who were led by senior Ramel Bradley's 17 points. UK fell two games behind Tennessee in the SEC's East Division.

Kentucky's Ramon Harris (34) drives against Tennessee's Tyler Smith during the first half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won, 63-60.(AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Kentucky's Ramon Harris (34) drives against Tennessee's Tyler Smith during the first half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won, 63-60.(AP Photo/Wade...   (Associated Press)
Tennessee's Tyler Smith, top, shoots over Kentucky's Perry Stevenson (21) during the first half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee's Tyler Smith, top, shoots over Kentucky's Perry Stevenson (21) during the first half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)   (Associated Press)
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl yells to his team during the first half of a college basketball game against Kentucky Saturday, March 2, 2008, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won, 63-60.(AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl yells to his team during the first half of a college basketball game against Kentucky Saturday, March 2, 2008, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won, 63-60.(AP Photo/Wade Payne)   (Associated Press)
Kentucky's Joe Crawford, center, looks for help as he's defended by Tennessee's Chris Lofton (5) and Tyler Smith (1) during the second half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 63-60. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Kentucky's Joe Crawford, center, looks for help as he's defended by Tennessee's Chris Lofton (5) and Tyler Smith (1) during the second half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008 in Knoxville,...   (Associated Press)
Tennessee's Tyler Smith (1) shoots past Kentucky's Perry Stevenson (21) during the second half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008, in Knoxville, Tenn. Smith scored 15 points as Tennessee won, 63-60.(AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee's Tyler Smith (1) shoots past Kentucky's Perry Stevenson (21) during the second half of a college basketball game Saturday, March 2, 2008, in Knoxville, Tenn. Smith scored 15 points as Tennessee...   (Associated Press)
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NCAA basketball • Kentucky Wildcats • Tennessee Volunteers • Tyler Smith • Ramel Bradley

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