Cats Start From Scratch

University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith said on Monday that tonight's game against the University of Georgia would be a "fresh start" for his team. In the midst of their second three-game losing streak of the season, Smith announced he would be using a ratings system to evaluate players in practice, and the slate would be wiped clean on the season thus far.

"We're trying to inspire the guys that haven't been playing much," said Smith. "Hopefully they'll say, 'I've got an opportunity to help the team and contribute.'"

At 15-9 overall and 5-5 in the SEC, the Wildcats need to figure something out fast. After tonight, they have games at South Carolina, which pushed UK to the limit back in January, and Ole Miss, which started SEC play 3-0 before their current seven game losing streak. Then the Wildcats enter a brutal season-ending stretch against the SEC's only three ranked teams: LSU, Tennessee and Florida.

Kentucky takes on Georgia tonight at 8 p.m. at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. The Wildcats are favored by 9 over the Bulldogs.

Date
February 15, 2006