Kentucky Upsets No. 5 Tennessee, Sweeps Season Series with Stellar 3-Point Shooting

February 12, 2025
Kentucky Upsets No. 5 Tennessee, Sweeps Season Series with Stellar 3-Point Shooting
  • 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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