COL BKB: Kentucky 61, Austin Peay 53

LEXINGTON, Ky., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Cliff Hawkins converted a key three-point play down the stretch Wednesday as No. 6 Kentucky held off Austin Peay, 61-53.

Kentucky (8-1) entered after its first loss, a 65-56 loss to Louisville last Saturday. It limited Austin Peay to 21 percent shooting in building a 26-12 halftime lead. The Governors nailed 10 of their first 14 shots after the break, a layup by Maurice Hampton, who led the Governors with 17 points, cut their deficit to 53-51 with 3:55 left.

That was the final basket for Austin Peay (3-7) as the Wildcats put on the clamps. Hawkins gave them some breathing room by converting a layup with 3:08 left. He added the free throw for a 56-51 lead.

Hampton's two foul shots pulled the Governors within three points in the closing seconds.

Hayes made two free throws with 43 seconds left and Hawkins added two more from the line 16 seconds later to make it 60-53.

Gerald Fitch led UK with 14.