Arkansas hopes to stop losing streak vs. Kentucky

Posted 6:16PM on Friday 2nd February 2007 ( 18 years ago )

LITTLE ROCK - Patrick Beverley had his eye on one game this season above all others Arkansas' showdown last month with defending national champion Florida. This freshman still has a lot to learn. The Razorbacks host Kentucky at Fayetteville on Saturday, the latest clash in a rivalry that peaked during the 1990s with Nolan Richardson and Rick Pitino on the sidelines. Lately, the Wildcats have had the edge, winning six straight. That's a trend Arkansas is eager to reverse. ``In the '90s, there was just such a great, intense game between both teams. They definitely have the edge over the last few years,'' Razorbacks coach Stan Heath said. ``We need to win to make it a true, true rivalry.'' Arkansas came close last season, blowing an 18-point lead in a 78-76 loss to Kentucky at Lexington. This year, the teams face each other after a lengthy layoff. The Razorbacks (14-7, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) won at No. 19 Alabama 78-76 last Saturday, and the Wildcats (16-5, 5-2) beat Tennessee 76-57 Sunday. Neither team has played since then. ``Both teams will be very prepared, especially with the bye week for both teams,'' Heath said. ``Their defense has been stingy so we have to play well and it should be a fired-up crowd.'' Beverley says his teammates have briefed him on the importance of the Kentucky game. He's hoping to atone for a 3-for-10, 10-point performance in that other game he was so excited about, a 79-72 loss at Florida on Jan. 9. ``I was so amped I didn't do too well,'' said Beverley, who insists he'll be more calm this time. Beverley, a guard, leads Arkansas with 13.6 points per game. ``He plays with poise, maturity, and can get his own shot,'' Kentucky coach Tubby Smith said. ``He plays beyond his age. He has a quick release, looks for his shot, and plays at both ends of the court. He always wants to move and does a lot of things well.'' The Wildcats are led by Randolph Morris at 15.6 points per game, although guard Joe Crawford is averaging a team-high 19.6 points in conference games. Kentucky is holding opponents to 37.7 percent shooting, the best defensive mark in the SEC. ``I expect to see a defensive struggle,'' Heath said. ``I think it will be physical, drives will be clogged and it will be hard to get good looks at the rim.'' Arkansas forward Charles Thomas, who is averaging 11.9 points, went down with a shoulder injury toward the end of the Alabama game and is questionable for this weekend. And that's not the only bad news for Arkansas this week. Kentucky checked in just outside the AP Top 25, and the Razorbacks' three conference wins have all been against ranked teams. Arkansas is also 0-3 against the SEC East, and Kentucky is 3-0 against the West. Only one team in the West is even at .500 in conference play Auburn at 4-4. The Razorbacks are a half-game out of first place and a game out of last. ``I am a little surprised no one has separated themselves,'' Heath said. ``It's going to be a dogfight. No one is out of it and it will come down to a couple of close games for everyone.''

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