Kentucky Earns a Tough Victory

They slowed Kentucky’s fastbreak, shut down the Wildcats on the perimeter and even stole some of their state rival’s fans. But the Eastern Kentucky Colonels couldn’t stop the second-seeded Wildcats’ powerful inside game.

Chuck Hayes and Kelenna Azubuike overpowered the Colonels. Each scored 16 points, and Azubuike ignited an 8-0 run early in the second half of Kentucky’s 72-64 first-round victory Thursday in an Austin Regional game at Indianapolis.

“It was obvious from the first half that we needed some energy, somewhat of a spark,” Hayes said. “I challenged myself to get every rebound and work my way around my man.”

Kentucky (26-5) extended its NCAA record for tournament victories to 94 and is 37-9 in NCAA tournament openers. The Wildcats actually have won 96 NCAA tournament games but forfeited two wins in 1988 because of NCAA rules violations. They will face Cincinnati on Saturday.

Eastern Kentucky (22-9) was playing in the tournament for the first time since 1979.

Cincinnati 76, Iowa 64 -- Jason Maxiell had 22 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots and a pair of steals as the Bearcats (25-7) won at Indianapolis.

Cincinnati showed a decidedly more physical game and threatened to run away from the Hawkeyes almost from the start.

With the 6-foot-7 Maxiell repeatedly swatting away shots under the basket and Iowa (21-12) unable to score from the outside, the Bearcats limited the Hawkeyes to one field goal and three free throws in the first 11 minutes of the game as they raced to a 21-3 lead.

Oklahoma 84, Niagara 67 -- Drew Lavender led six Sooners in double figures with 17 points at Tucson. The Sooners (25-7) shot 46% from the field but were helped out by solid defense that harassed the Purple Eagles (20-10) into 16 turnovers.

Juan Mendez led the Purple Eagles (20-10) with 22 points, but missed his first 11 shots in the second half.