UK grabs first SEC tourney win 71-58

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jodie Meeks scored a game high 25 points, and Patrick Patterson had a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Kentucky Wildcats (20-12) defeated the Ole Miss Rebels (16-15) in the opening game of the SEC tournament. Perry Stevenson added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Darius Miller chipped in with 12 in the victory.

The Wildcats overcame a 38-36 halftime deficit, outscoring the Rebels 35-20 in the 2nd half for their 20th victory on the season. Kentucky still has work to do to make the NCAA tournament, however, as many believe the only ticket to the dance this year will come via an automatic bid given to the SEC tournament champion.

Kentucky next faces # 1 seed LSU (25-6) at 1:00 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament.

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