Patterson, Miller key UK win over Vols 77-58

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Patrick Patterson's return from a sprained ankle saw him lead both teams in scoring with 19 points on 9-12 shooting, and freshman Darius Miller chipped in with 17 points on 6-6 shooting as Kentucky defeated Tennessee 77-58. The win broke a 1st place tie between Kentucky and Tennessee and vaulted the Cats in sole possession of first place in the SEC East by one-half game.

Tennessee's game plan was to stop Kentucky leading scorer Jodie Meeks, who blistered the Vols for a UK record 54 points in Knoxville earlier this season. The plan worked, holding Meeks to only 14 points, without a 3-point field goal for the first time all season. Kentucky didn't seem to mind, however, as the rest of the team hit 70% from 3-point range on 7-10 shooting and 73% from the field overall on 24-33 shooting in the runaway victory.

Freshman Miller had a complete game, scoring 17 points on 6-6 shooting from the field, including 3-3 from 3-point range and 2-2 from the free throw line. Miller also dished six assists, blocked two shots, grabbed three rebounds and only committed one turnover in the near-perfect game.

Michael Porter added nine points on 3-6 shooting (all from 3-point range) and tied Miller for game-high honors with six assists.

The victory moves Kentucky to 19-8 (8-4) on the season, and drops Tennessee to 16-10 (7-5).

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