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By JOEY JOHNSTON

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

Published: March 13, 2009

TAMPA - No upsets.

Three games into the SEC Tournament, that was Thursday's story. But it wasn't business as usual - far from it, actually.

The Kentucky Wildcats eased past Ole Miss 71-58 in a first-rounder at the St. Pete Times Forum. For UK, an uncharacteristically difficult task has just begun.

The Wildcats (20-12), who probably need to win the championship in order to earn the program's 18th consecutive NCAA Tournament bid, face West No. 1 seed LSU (25-6) in today's quarterfinals.

"LSU whipped us 73-70 in our own gym and we look forward to playing the regular-season conference champion," Wildcats coach Billy Gillispie said. "Hopefully, we'll be equal to the challenge."

Elsewhere in the first round, Mississippi State subdued Georgia, the defending tournament champion, 79-60. Meanwhile, Alabama got past Vanderbilt 82-75.

In today's quarterfinals, Mississippi State meets South Carolina, while Alabama takes on Tennessee.

LSU and Tennessee are thought to be the SEC's only definite NCAA Tournament teams. Auburn, South Carolina, Kentucky and Florida probably must get to the weekend for a secure feeling - and even then, nothing is guaranteed.

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