College Hoops Wednesday

Recaps from yesterday, and a preview for today as the Coaches vs Cancer Classic continues its regional phase.

In Lexington, Gardner-Webb got off to a 34-23 halftime lead and won the game over Alabama A&M 69-55 in the first round. Mickell Gladness had 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 blocks in the loss. Aaron Linn had 24 in the win for G-W.
In the consolation game in Memphis, Tennessee-Martin edged Maine 66-62 behind 31 points and 6 rebounds from Lester Hudson. Two other players reached double figures for the Skyhawks. The Black Bears had 4 players in double figures, led by 14 and 6 from Brian Andre.
In the main attraction at Rupp Arena, Joe Crawford scored 20 off the bench to lead Kentucky to a big 67-40 win over Central Arkansas in the UK coaching debut for Billy Gillispie. The Wildcats still need some work.
Richmond hung really tough with Memphis in the first half, but fabulous freshman Derrick Rose rose to the occassion and scored 21 points and had 5 points as the Tigers pulled away from the Spiders 80-63 to capture the Memphis regional. Chris Douglas-Roberts had 19 and 9 in the win. David Gonzalvez had 25 in the loss for Richmond.

The Storrs regional opens up today at 4pm as DII Ohio Valley battles Buffalo. The Bulls of the MAC went 12-19 last year, but were 12th in the nation in rebounding margin. SG Andy Robinson averaged 10 points last year, and is their best returning player.
Next up is the consolation game in Lexington as Alabama A&M faces Central Arkansas.
The main event in Storrs has Morgan State playing the hosts the UConn Huskies at 7pm on ESPNU. The Golden Bears went 13-18 but competed for the MEAC title last year. 6'3 senior Guard Jamar Smith averaged 13 and 5 last year and shot 36% from beyond the arc. UConn missed the tournament last year in a rebuilding year, but coach Jim Calhoun has high hopes for this season. They went 17-14, and are once again led by Jeff Adrien and Andre Dyson.
The Lexington final is at 9pm on ESPNU as Kentucky battles Gardner-Webb.