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Cats Find a WayKentucky Coach Tubby Smith said it all after the game, when asked how his team came back to defeat the Florida Gators in Gainesville: "We've had some success here." They have indeed, as Tuesday's 68-65 win makes it five in a row over conference-rival Florida.Erik Daniels solidified his position as Kentucky's most reliable offensive weapon, scoring 22 points on 8 of 12 shooting. The only other Cat to score in double figures was Gerald Fitch, with 10 points on just 2 of 8 shooting. Kelenna Azubuike and Cliff Hawkins each pitched in with 9, while Antwain Barbour continued his improved play with 8 points. The Wildcats led the entire first-half, taking a 33-29 lead into the locker-room. In the second-half, the Cats stayed on top until the 15:22 mark, when a David Lee lay-up gave Florida its first advantage of the game, 40-39. The Gators steadily increased their lead to 11, 57-46, with 9 minutes remaining. For the next three minutes, Kentucky managed just one field goal, but got to the line enough to pull within eight, 65-57. A three-pointer by Azubuike made it 65-60. After Florida missed at the other end, Daniels got to the line and made 'em both, and the Cats were only down three. A turnover by Florida's Christian Drejer gave the ball back to Kentucky and Chuck Hayes made a pair to pull Kentucky within 1, 65-64.
On the ensuing in-bounds play, Azubuike and Hayes trapped Christian Drejer in the corner. He tried to pass out of it, but Hawkins snagged the ball and made a tough lay-up to give the Cats a 66-65 lead with a minute to go. Kentucky got a couple defensive stops and made enough free-throws to secure their 15th victory.
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