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Kentucky looks to stop a brief losing streak at Alabama

Feb 17, 2007 - 3:51 PM No. 18 Kentucky (18-7) at Alabama (18-7) 3:00 pm EST

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Ticker) -- After two straight losses, Kentucky looks to get back on track Saturday against Alabama in a Southeastern Conference matchup.

The 18th-ranked Wildcats are coming off losses against No. 1 Florida and at Tennessee to fall into a tie for second place in the SEC east.

Because of the unbalanced conference schedule this will be the only meeting of the season between Kentucky (18-7, 7-4 SEC) and Alabama (18-7, 5-6).

The Crimson Tide began the season ranked in the top 10 but have dropped steadily because of an inability to win consistently in conference play. A win over the Wildcats would pull Alabama back to .500 in the conference and put them in position to take over first place in the SEC West with a strong stretch run.

Kentucky could not contain Tennessee guard and SEC leading scorer Chris Lofton last time out, as he torched them for 23 points including four 3-pointers. Lofton sealed the game by hitting five free throws in the final 30 seconds.

Joe Crawford led the Wildcats with 24 points and Randolph Morris added 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Alabama has lost its last two games including a tough loss last time out at No. 1 Florida. The Crimson Tide jumped out to a 22-4 lead and went into the half up 42-31. The second half was a different story, however, as the Alabama defense had a tough time containing Florida point guard Taurean Green who ended the game with 20 points including 6-of-7 shooting in the second half.

Alonzo Gee led the Tide with 15 points.