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Gillespie, Kentucky looking to go 2-0, host Gardner-Webb

Nov 7, 2007 - 3:36 PM Gardner-Webb (1-0) at No. 22 Kentucky (1-0) 9:00 pm EST

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Ticker) -- The Billy Gillespie era got off to a successful start for No. 22 Kentucky in its season opener.

Joe Crawford scored 20 points and the Wildcats held Central Arkansas to just 20 percent shooting en route to a 67-40 victory in the first round of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer on Tuesday.

Gillespie and Kentucky will look to go 2-0 when they take on Gardner-Webb in the second round of the tournament on Wednesday.

After Tubby Smith departed for Minnesota, Gillespie was named Kentucky's coach after leading Texas A&M to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. Under Gillespie, the Aggies held opponents to 37.5 percent shooting and allowed less than 50 points nine times during last season.

That defensive pressure was on display in the Wildcats' opener, as they held Central Arkansas to 10-of-50 for the field. The Bears also scored only five points over the final 10 minutes of play.

Mark Coury added a career-high 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, who have been ranked in the preseason every year since 1991-92.

Aaron Linn scored 24 points as Gardner-Webb defeated Alabama A&M, 69-55, on Tuesday. The Runnin' Bulldogs went 9-21, including 7-12 in the Atlantic Sun Conference last season.

Garner-Webb did win the Atlantic Sun regular-season title during the 2004-05 season.

The winner will advance to the semifinals of the tournament at Madison Square Garden on November 15.