[Quality88]

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- University of Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie has sent Joe Crawford not-so-subtle messages all season. Last night against Texas Southern, Crawford sent one back.
Making his first start of the season, the senior guard led all scorers with a career-high 32 points to lead UK past the Tigers 83-35 before 21,445 in Rupp Arena.
"He puts us in a position where we all have to prove ourselves to him," said Crawford, who was told of his start Friday in practice. "That's the way you get better and show that you're a capable player."
Crawford, whose last start was March 18 in the NCAA Tournament against Kansas, got off to a fast start. He opened the game with a three-pointer and scored 17 of the Cats' first 32 points.

Crawford scores career-high 32 as UK wins big