Wildcats growing up as SEC tourney approaches

By Will Graves

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, March 8 2011 2:55 p.m. MST

Kentucky head coach John Calipari yells to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee, Sunday, March 6, 2011, in Knoxville, Tenn. Kentucky won 64-58.

Wade Payne, Associated Press

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Summary

y coach John Calipari says his team is growing up, and not a moment too soon.

Kentucky coach John Calipari says his team is growing up, and not a moment too soon.

The 15th-ranked Wildcats (22-8) have won three straight heading into this weekend's Southeastern Conference tournament, checking off two major issues in the process.

Kentucky won on the road at Tennessee, a big problem earlier in the season, and won a close game against Vanderbilt.

The victories have given the Wildcats a much-needed confidence boost. Senior center Josh Harrellson says the players are holding their heads higher and not sulking anymore. He says the Wildcats are "totally different people" now.

Calipari says his team has done a good job of living in the moment and trying to enjoy the ride instead of playing as if the weight of the world rested on its shoulders.

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