Calipari defends not sending in subs earlier

Given his team's overall lack of experience and six-man rotation, Kentucky Coach John Calipari took a long time to get seldom-used players into Saturday's rare blowout victory.

UK's lead over South Carolina fluctuated between 28 and 36 points over the final 10 minutes, yet Calipari did not clear his bench until fewer than two minutes remained.

Team concerns trumped potential individual benefits, Calipari explained Monday on the Southeastern Conference's coaches' teleconference.

"We've got to get better as a team," he said. "If I'm going to play six or seven, then those six or seven have to get better. That's the first thing on my mind."

Calipari noted that deep in the game South Carolina continued pressing, which caused a few turnovers.

Aki Ross Ashley Tappin Carmen Electra Amanda Marcum Leila Arcieri