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Cats Open Conference Play with a WKentucky defeated Vanderbilt Saturday 75-63, as Vanderbilt fell to 0-27 all-time at Rupp Arena. It was also Vandy's 22nd loss overall in the last 23 games against Kentucky. As they have done so many times this season, the Wildcats got off to a fast start, only to have to hang on to beat their opponent. The Cats opened up with a 22-8 lead, only to watch Vanderbilt climb back to within 34-32 at halftime. The second half went much the same way, as the Wildcats went on another run, building a 48-35 lead with 14 minutes remaining. But once again, they couldn't put the Commodores away. Vandy went on a 20-9 run to pull within two at 57-55 with 9:00 remaining. That was as close as they got however, as Kentucky closed the game by outscoring the 'Dores 18-8. Kentucky was led by Kelenna Azubuike, Erik Daniels, and Gerald Fitch, each with 16 points. Azubuike, in tying a career and season-high, played his best game of the season, connecting on 6 of his 10 shot attempts, and pulling down 11 rebounds. Fitch also tied a career-high with six assists, as did Cliff Hawkins with 7 rebounds to go along with his 12 points. Chuck Hayes added 8 points and six rebounds, while Bernard Cote provided a spark off the bench for the second straight game, with 7 points, including a three-pointer in the first-half. The Cats got the win despite some extremely poor ball-handling and sloppy passing, committing 23 turnovers, including 14 in the first half. Hawkins led the way with 8, while Fitch and Daniels added 6 and 5, respectively. Notes:
Box Score
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