Feb. 11, 1998

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – Scott Padgett scored Kentucky’s first eight points ofthe second half and drilled a 3-pointer late in the game, sparking theseventh-ranked Wildcats to an 80-74 victory over Tennessee on Wednesday night.

Padgett, who was scoreless in the first half, hit two 3s and scored on afast-break layup as Kentucky (22-3, 10-1 Southeastern Conference) went on an8-2 run to open a 41-32 lead with 18:19 remaining in the game.

Tennessee (15-6, 5-6) fell behind 56-43 but went on a 15-8 spurt behind TonyHarris’ eight points to slice the margin to 64-58 with 5:35 to go.

Padgett, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, then hit a 3-pointerfrom the left wing following a Tennessee turnover to give the Wildcats a 67-58lead with 4:13 left.

Tennessee, which was riding a four-game winning streak since losing 85-67 toKentucky on Jan. 24, closed to 73-67 on Brandon Wharton’s short jumper with1:01 remaining.

Padgett was fouled eight seconds later, making both attempts to giveKentucky an eight-point cushion on the way to its fifth straight season sweepand 11th consecutive victory over the Volunteers.

Nazr Mohammed scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, his second straightdouble-double and seventh of the season, while Heshimu Evans finished with 13points and seven rebounds for Kentucky.

Kentucky shot 40 percent (29-of-72) from the field, including 6-of-16 from3-point range. The Wildcats, outrebounded 28-19 at the half, battled back to a49-46 advantage on the boards.

Harris and C.J. Black each scored 19 points while Wharton had 14 forTennessee, which shot 34 percent (22-of-64), including 7-of-19 from beyond the3-point arc. Black also had 12 rebounds in recording his third double-double ofthe season.