Randolph Morris

ATLANTA - Even though Randolph Morris tried to leave Kentucky after his freshman season to play in the NBA, his former high school coach says a professional career was never Morris' main focus. "He wasn't talking about being a pro as much as talking about going to a program to win a national title. That was what he talked about the most," said Bryan Bartley. Both Bartley and Morris were here for the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Bartley is finishing his first season as the administrative assistant at Auburn.

ATLANTA -- Kentucky won't be playing in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals Saturday because of a series of late-game blunders today. Instead of rallying for a dramatic victory over Mississippi State in the SEC quarterfinals, UK lost 84-82 in overtime today and now will wait until Sunday night to see where the NCAA Tournament selection committee sends it to play next week. While the lane violation against senior Sheray Thomas with 5.1 seconds to play in regulation was the most glaring ever because it led to a game-tying 3-pointer by State's Jamont Gordon at the buzzer, it wasn't the only costly miscue.

Kentucky is 21-11. Junior center Randolph Morris led Kentucky with 29 points and 15 rebounds, career highs in both categories. It is his 11th double-double of the season and 13th of his career. Morris made 13 of 18 foul shots, career highs in both categories. Junior guard Joe Crawford had 20 points. It is his sixth 20-point game of the season and ninth of his career. Freshman guard Jodie Meeks came off the bench to get 14 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high six steals.

ATLANTA (AP) - Jamont Gordon scored 26 points, including a tying 3-pointer after Kentucky squandered a chance to win in regulation with a lane violation, and Mississippi State took advantage for an 84-82 overtime victory Friday in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament. Kentucky (21-11) overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half and led 75-73 when freshman Jodie Meeks stepped to the line for two free throws with 5.1 seconds left. He calmly swished the first and was setting up for the second when teammate Sheray Thomas backed out of the lane a split-second after the official flipped the ball to the shooter.

ATLANTA - For at least one day, all is well in Wildcatland. Kentucky had five players score in double figures, shot 50 percent from the field and pulled away in the second half to beat Alabama here Thursday 79-67 in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. That puts Kentucky into today's SEC quarterfinal game against Mississippi State, a team the Wildcats beat 64-60 earlier this season in Rupp Arena. Kentucky had to overcome a 3-for-15 shooting start that led to a 21-11 deficit midway of the first half before it went on a 13-0 run. After that, the Wildcats continued to make shots, harass Alabama with a pressure defense and make all the hustle plays a winning team should make in March.

ATLANTA -- For at least one day, all is well in Wildcatland. Kentucky had five players score in double figures, shot 50 percent from the field and pulled away in the second half to beat Alabama here today 79-67 in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. That puts Kentucky into Friday's SEC quarterfinal game against Mississippi State, a team the Wildcats beat 64-60 earlier this season in Rupp Arena. Kentucky had to overcome a 3-for-15 shooting start that led to a 21-11 deficit midway of the first half before it went on a 13-0 run. After that, the Wildcats continued to make shots, harass Alabama with a pressure defense and make all the hustle plays a winning team should make in March.

Five Kentucky players scored in double figures, the second consecutive game that has happened. The last two games are the only times this season that UK has placed five players in double-figure scoring. Kentucky won the rebounding 34-26. The Wildcats are 8-1 this season when winning the rebound margin by +8 or more. Junior center Randolph Morris had 17 points and 11 rebounds, his 10th double-double of the season and 12th of his career. Junior guard Ramel Bradley's 17 points is a career high for a post-season game.

ATLANTA - Kentucky coach Tubby Smith says he has no choice but to embrace all the hoopla that goes with his position. "I get a chance to unwind, but basketball is obviously pretty important to me," said Smith here Wednesday. "It's a big part of my livelihood and my family has been in it forever, as are most athletes and coaches that participate in this great game. "You have to embrace it. There's a love and a passion for it. Certainly as a coach, that's what you want. You want everybody to appreciate and care as much as you do. I think that's why we've had such success.

ATLANTA -- Alabama apparently will have junior point guard Ronald Steele in the lineup against Kentucky Thursday, but the Crimson Tide could be without senior center Jermareo Davidson. Steele has been hampered most of the season with knee and ankle problems. However, he went through today's practice here in preparation for Thursday's Southeastern Conference Tournament opening game against Kentucky. "I think Ron is going to try and play," Alabama coach Mark Gottfried said. "He's battled this all season.