Kentucky Upsets No. 5 Tennessee, Sweeps Season Series with Stellar 3-Point Shooting
February 12, 2025
On February 11, 2025, No. 15 Kentucky achieved a significant 75-64 victory over No. 5 Tennessee at Rupp Arena, completing a regular season sweep against their rivals.
This win improved Kentucky's overall record to 17-7 and their Southeastern Conference standing to 6-5, showcasing their strong performance with a 7-1 record against Top 15 teams this season.
Kentucky had previously defeated Tennessee 78-73 in Knoxville on January 28, 2025, marking their second win over the Volunteers this season.
Despite missing key player Jaxson Robinson due to a wrist injury, the Wildcats relied on their bench, with freshman Travis Perry contributing eight points in just 12 minutes.
Lamont Butler, who returned from a shoulder injury, played a crucial role in the victory, although he left the game with 8:40 remaining after diving for a loose ball.
Kentucky's offense was bolstered by contributions from Otega Oweh and Ansley Almonor, each scoring 13 points, while Koby Brea and Trent Noah added 11 points apiece.
The Wildcats demonstrated impressive shooting, hitting 50% from three-point range, while Tennessee struggled significantly, making only 17% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Kentucky's defense effectively contained Tennessee's leading scorer, Zakai Zeigler, limiting him to 17 points, while Lanier struggled with just 10 points.
The decisive moment of the game came when Kentucky outscored Tennessee 17-4 in the final four minutes, overcoming a brief deficit to secure the win.
This victory is crucial for Kentucky's NCAA tournament prospects, enhancing their résumé as they aim for a strong postseason.
Tennessee's loss not only ended their three-game winning streak but also dropped them to a No. 2 seed in CBS Sports Bracketology, while Kentucky maintained their position as a No. 5 seed.
Kentucky's coach Mark Pope expressed optimism about the team's resilience, especially in light of their recent struggles and injuries.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

AP News • Feb 12, 2025
Almonor and Oweh score 13 points each as No. 15 Kentucky beats No. 5 Tennessee 75-64
CBSSports.com • Feb 12, 2025
Kentucky upsets Tennessee as shorthanded Wildcats defeat Volunteers for second time this season
CBSSports.com • Feb 12, 2025
Grading Kellen Moore to Saints; No. 15 Kentucky sweeps No. 5 Tennessee; Real Madrid stuns Manchester City
Louisville Courier Journal • Feb 12, 2025
Kentucky vs Tennessee score: UK basketball highlights from SEC contest at Rupp Arena