COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kentucky's return to No. 1 might not last very long.

Devan Downey scored 30 points and South Carolina sent No. 1 Kentucky to its first loss of the season with a 68-62 victory last night.

The Wildcats (19-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) moved atop the rankings for this week for the first time since 2003. They were cautioned by President Barack Obama earlier yesterday to play with the same passion that brought them to the top.

The president or Kentucky didn't count on Downey, the SEC's leading scorer, to break the 30-point mark for the fourth time in six league games for South Carolina (12-8, 3-3).

"Let's be honest," Downey said. "No one gave us a chance."

Downey hit a jumper to break a 51-all tie with 4:16 left and the Gamecocks never trailed again. South Carolina hit 6 of 8 free throws in the final 23 seconds.

NO. 1 CONNECTICUT 73, RUTGERS 36

Maya Moore had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Kalana Greene added 17 points to help the host Huskies (20-0, 7-0 Big East) win their 59th straight game with a rout of the Scarlet Knights (12-8, 4-3) in a women's game.