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ATHENS, Ga. — John Calipari waited until Wednesday morning’s shootaround to remind his Kentucky players they were playing for more than a national championship. Sensing they needed a lift, Calipari said he told his players, “Stop. Do you understand what we’re playing for today?” The answer was the Southeastern Conference championship. After the coach’s reminder, No. 3 Kentucky clinched at least a share of the regular-season title by beating Georgia 80-68 on Wednesday night. Fast Facts • Kentucky opened the second half with a 12-0 run and never looks back, clinching the top seed in the SEC tournament. • The Wildcats had a season-high 14 blocked shots; Georgia had zero. • John Wall led Kentucky with 24 points, his seventh 20-point game of the season. Patrick Patterson added 17 points and 10 rebounds, his 30th career double-double and ninth of the season. • Georgia suffered its 10th SEC loss of the season, the fifth time in six seasons the Bulldogs have had 10-plus conference losses. — ESPN Stats & Information Calipari said the Wildcats were “sharp” and “focused” on the immediate goal. John Wall had 24 points and Patrick Patterson added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats, who scored the first 12 points of the second half and maintained control from there. Kentucky (28-2, 13-2 SEC) bounced back from a loss at then-No. 19 Tennessee and moved one game ahead of Vanderbilt in the race for the league’s best record. The Wildcats, who swept Vanderbilt, already own the …

kentucky tennessee ncaa john wall demarcous cousins phenom march madness

kentucky tennessee ncaa john wall demarcous cousins phenom march madness