January 11, 1999

LEXINGTON, Ky. – With a little help from a newfound weapon, the defending national championKentucky Wildcats are finally starting to live up to their lofty expectations.

The sixth-ranked Wildcats, who are coming off an impressive 73-57 win overVanderbilt on Saturday night, host the Tennessee Volunteers on Tuesday.

After struggling all year from 3-point range, the Wildcats (14-3, 3-0 SEC)had their best game this season from beyond the arc, hitting 58 percent(14-of-24). Five of Kentucky’s first six baskets came from 3-point range.

“Their Achilles’ heel in their losses was 3-point shooting,” saidVanderbilt coach Jan van Breda Kolff, who now is winless in 11 games againstthe Wildcats. “Tonight it was their strength. If you cover them too tight,that would’ve opened up down low for all their big men.”

Four Kentucky players either matched or topped career highs for 3-pointbaskets. Forward Scott Padgett led six players with four 3’s a piece. FreshmanDesmond Allison hit two against Vanderbilt after having made only two3-pointers all season.

After losing two straight games last month, to rival Duke and then an upsetto Louisville, the Wildcats have regained some momentum, winning their fourthstraight game Saturday.

Kentucky also hit a season-best 93.8 percent from the free-throw line. As for the Vols (10-4, 2-1), who are coming off an 86-57 win over SouthCarolina on Saturday, keeping up with the Wildcats will be a huge test.

Guard Tony Harris scored 21 points on Saturday, including 14 in the secondhalf, to lead the Volunteers.

Senior Brandon Wharton had 18 points for Tennessee and Rashard Lee added 10in the Volunteers balanced attack.