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GAME NOTES: The slumping Kentucky Wildcats continue their five-game homestand today, as they host the Florida International Golden Panthers in non- conference play at Rupp Arena. The Wildcats, under first year head coach Billy Gillispie, have struggled through the first part of the season and they actually bring a losing record (5-6) into this game. Kentucky, which opened the season ranked in the Top 25, has dropped five of its last six outings, including a surprising 81-72 setback to San Diego on Saturday. The loss was the team's third in eight games at Rupp Arena this season. As for FIU, it comes into the tilt on a down note, dropping a 59-44 decision at Purdue on Saturday. It was the fifth loss in a row for the Panthers, who find themselves at a dismal 3-8 overall and 0-3 on the road. Today's contest marks the first- ever meeting between FIU and Kentucky on the hardwood.

The Panthers shot a lackluster 37.0 percent from the field and they turned the ball over a whopping 25 times in a 59-44 loss to Purdue this past weekend. The team was also dominated on the boards, 41-30, and outscored at the charity stripe, 23-7, in the loss. Alex Galindo was the only bright spot for FIU, as he finished with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the floor. Russell Hicks chipped in with eight points, and he leads the team in scoring on the season, averaging 13.5 ppg. Galindo is a close second with 12.9 ppg and he is also ripping down a team-high 6.4 rpg. Overall, the Panthers are scoring 66.7 ppg this season, but they are giving up a slightly higher 72.7 ppg. The team has also struggled to hang onto the ball, committing 18.4 turnovers per game.

The Wildcats were outscored at the foul line, 32-19, and that was a big reason why they suffered an 81-72 loss to San Diego this past weekend. The team also lost the battle on the boards, 34-25, and it hit just three three-point field goals compared to nine by San Diego. Ramel Bradley and freshman Patrick Patterson guided Kentucky in defeat with 20 points apiece, while Joe Crawford chipped in with 10. On the season, Patterson has been terrific for the Wildcats, as he leads the team in scoring (17.5 ppg), rebounding (8.5 rpg) and field goal percentage (.673). Crawford follows closely with 16.3 ppg and he is trailed by Bradley, who checks in with 13.1 ppg and a team-best 2.8 apg. As a team, Kentucky is scoring 70.4 ppg behind a solid 48.9 percent shooting from the floor, although the squad is averaging 17.3 turnovers per contest.

Kentucky has struggled this season, but this should be a good chance for it to gain some confidence. The Wildcats are the more talented team here and with a solid shooting performance they should be able to come out on top.