Published: November 30, 2008 10:36 pm            

Kentucky hangs first loss on WVU

LAS VEGAS (AP)— Jodie Meeks scored a game-high 19 points to lead Kentucky to an upset win over West Virginia 54-43 in the championship game of the Las Vegas Invitational on Saturday.

Meeks, who was named the tournament MVP, went 12-of-12 from the free throw line. Patrick Patterson added 15 points and 10 rebounds for Kentucky (4-2), who held the Mountaineers to four points in the final 7:39.

After West Virginia (4-1) led as many as 12 in the second half, the Wildcats rallied to take a 37-36 lead with 7:31 left. Kentucky never trailed again building its largest lead in the final seconds.

Alex Ruoff led the Mountain-eers with 10 points.

The Mountaineers jumped to a 9-2 lead and never trailed in a low scoring first half, leading 26-16 at halftime.

*****

Late Saturday Night

KENTUCKY (4-2)

Harris 0-1 0-0 0, Stevenson 1-2 2-2 4, Patterson 6-8 3-3 15, Meeks 3-11 12-12 19, Porter 0-1 0-0 0, Miller 0-4 0-0 0, Stewart 0-2 0-0 0, Liggins 1-4 2-3 4, Harrellson 4-6 4-5 12. Totals 15-39 23-25 54.

WEST VIRGINIA (4-1)

Butler 2-9 3-4 7, Ebanks 2-5 0-2 4, Smith 1-1 0-0 3, Ruoff 3-13 3-4 10, Mazzulla 1-3 2-2 4, Thoroughman 0-0 0-0 0, Jones 2-6 0-0 4, Bryant 1-4 2-4 5, Flowers 3-7 0-1 6, Proby 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 15-49 10-17 43.

Halftime—West Virginia 26-16. 3-Point Goals—Kentucky 1-5 (Meeks 1-3, Liggins 0-1, Miller 0-1), West Virginia 3-18 (Smith 1-1, Bryant 1-1, Ruoff 1-10, Mazzulla 0-1, Flowers 0-1, Ebanks 0-2, Butler 0-2). Fouled Out—Mazzulla. Rebounds—Kentucky 36 (Harrellson, Patterson 10), West Virginia 26 (Butler 9). Assists—Kentucky 10 (Liggins, Miller 3), West Virginia 7 (Mazzulla 3). Total Fouls—Kentucky 18, West Virginia 25. A—NA.

        

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