TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Kentucky women’s basketballteam dropped its third straight game on Saturday, falling to Alabama, 62-56in Tuscaloosa.

Trailing 31-19 at the half, the Wildcats (9-10, 2-5) fought back with fiveminutes remaining to tie the game at 53-53. However, Alabama’s aggressivedefense forced three UK turnovers in the final minutes to give the CrimsonTide (13-6, 5-2) the lead for good.

“We played Alabama with freshmen, sophomores and one senior. This teamis very young and they are maturing,” UK Coach Bernadette Mattox said.”Anytime you can hold a team that has the kind of talent that Alabama doesto 62 points, you have to be proud of the effort.”

Leading scorer for the Wildcats was Jaye Barnes with 14 points. Alsonetting double figures for Kentucky was Kim Denkins and Laura Meadowswith 12 and 11 points respectively.

Naismith candidate Dominique Canty led all scorers for Alabama with 25points and seven rebounds. Alabama’s win marks the fifth straight victoryover the Wildcats, dating back to 1994.

Kentucky will return to action in Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 28for a rematch against No. 10 Florida at 7 p.m. The Wildcats will then playhost to Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.