Kentucky Rallies Past Tennessee Again, 74-71, Behind Second-Half Surge at Rupp
For the second time this season, Kentucky clawed back from a double-digit deficit to take down Tennessee - and this one might sting even more for the Vols.
Down 14 at halftime, the Wildcats flipped the script in the second half to pull off a 74-71 win at Rupp Arena, snapping Tennessee’s four-game win streak and notching a signature SEC victory that showcased Kentucky’s resilience and firepower when it matters most.
Let’s break it down.
First Half: Vols in Control
Tennessee came out swinging, putting together a first half that looked like a statement. The Vols led 47-33 at the break, thanks in large part to Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s early spark. The sophomore guard poured in 14 of his 15 points in the first half, orchestrating the offense with poise and giving Kentucky fits on the perimeter.
Nate Ament, though, was the headline act. The forward was locked in from the jump, finishing with a game-high 29 points on an efficient 10-of-17 shooting. He knocked down four of his six attempts from deep and added eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal - the kind of all-around performance that keeps him squarely on the radar as one of the SEC’s most dynamic players.
Tennessee dominated the glass, outrebounding Kentucky 46-31, including a whopping 19 offensive boards. That kind of effort on the boards usually translates into wins - but not this time.
Second Half: Kentucky Flips the Script
Whatever was said in the Wildcats’ locker room at halftime worked. Kentucky came out with renewed energy and defensive intensity, chipping away at the Vols’ lead possession by possession.
Otega Oweh led the charge with 21 points, providing the offensive punch Kentucky needed to mount the comeback. He attacked the rim, knocked down timely shots, and helped swing the momentum back in the Wildcats’ favor.
While Tennessee had four players in double figures - Ament (29), Gillespie (15), J.P. Estrella (11), and Bishop Boswell (10) - the Vols struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm in the second half. Kentucky tightened up defensively, and those second-chance opportunities that came so easily in the first half started drying up.
The Vols also couldn’t take full advantage of Kentucky’s 13 turnovers, managing to force just nine themselves. That slight edge in the turnover battle wasn’t enough to offset Kentucky’s second-half surge.
What This Means
For Kentucky, this is another confidence-building win in a season that’s had its share of ups and downs. Coming back to beat a ranked rival - again - shows this team’s grit and ability to execute under pressure. They’re now 17-7 overall and 8-3 in SEC play, putting themselves firmly in the mix as the regular season heats up.
For Tennessee, this one’s going to sting. The Vols had control of the game, dominated the glass, and got another monster performance from Ament, but couldn’t close the deal. Still, at 16-7 and 6-4 in the SEC, they remain a serious threat - but this loss will serve as a reminder that no lead is safe, especially in conference play.
These two teams may have split the season series, but Kentucky owns the bragging rights for now - and if they meet again in March, don’t be surprised if it’s another instant classic.