COL BKB: Kentucky 71, Ohio 63

CINCINNATI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Joe Crawford scored a career-high 23 points Friday night as 19th-ranked Kentucky eased past Ohio, 71-63.

Ramel Bradley added 18 points, Rekalin Sims had 11 points and six rebounds and Rajon Rondo had six points, seven rebounds and four assists for the Wildcats (9-3), who extended their winning streak to three in a row in 2,500th game in school history. To avoid an upset by the fired up Bobcats, Kentucky had to overcome a 40-37 halftime deficit.

Mychal Green scored 16 points, Jeremy Fears added 14 and Leon Williams recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Bobcats (5-2), who had a two-game winning streak snapped.

Ohio was out-rebounded, 34-29, and committed 19 turnovers in the setback while Kentucky made 13.