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Kentucky looks for sixth straight win

Feb 12, 2008 - 3:25 PM Kentucky (12-9) at No. 19 Vanderbilt (20-4) 9:00 pm EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) - Kentucky struggled mightily in the non-conference portion of its schedule but has recovered nicely since. On the other hand, Vanderbilt hasn't been able to maintain its strong start.

Two of the hotter teams in SEC play face off on Tuesday when the 19th-ranked Commodores host the streaking Wildcats in Southeastern Conference action.

Kentucky (12-9, 6-2 SEC) drew the ire of its most ardent followers after a 6-7 start to the season that included surprising losses to Gardner-Webb and San Diego. Since that time, however, the Wildcats have turned it around in conference play, a run that began with a thrilling 79-73 overtime victory over the Commodores on January 12.

The Wildcats notched their fifth straight win - a 62-52 home win over Alabama on Saturday. Senior guard Ramel Bradley hit three 3-pointers down the stretch and had 19 points for Kentucky.

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt (20-4, 5-4) has dropped off the pace a bit after its 16-0 start that was stopped with the loss to the Wildcats. However, the Commodores - which dropped four of their first six conference games - have rebounded to win three straight contests.

Jermaine Beal hit a short jumper with less than a second left to lift Vanderbilt to a 66-65 win over South Carolina on Saturday. Senior swingman Shan Foster led the Commodores with 21 points.