Kentucky erases double-digit deficit, completes sweep of Tennessee
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The Kentucky Wildcats overcame a 17-point deficit when they beat the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville back in January. On Saturday in Rupp Arena, they trailed the Vols by 14 points at halftime. But they loved fighting back to win so much the first time, they decided to do so again on their home court.
Collin Chandler nailed a three-pointer to give Kentucky a 71-69 edge with 32.4 seconds remaining in regulation, and from there, the Wildcats held the Volunteers off for a 74-71 win. The trey was Chandler’s third of the game, and adds to a list of clutch moments he has piled up for Kentucky in recent weeks.
Nate Ament led Tennessee (and all scorers) with 29 points. Deway Brown II had 12 rebounds, which helped the Volunteers out-rebound the Wildcats 46-31 in the contest. Unfortunately, Tennessee (16-7, 6-4 SEC) couldn’t overcome its 13 turnovers to escape with a victory.
Otega Oweh paced Kentucky (17-7, 8-3 SEC) with 21 points. He added 4 rebounds and 2 assists, including the one on Chandler’s big three-pointer. The Wildcats have won 8 of 9 games and now sit just a half-game back of Florida — who they play in their next game (Feb. 14, 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC) — for first place in the SEC standings. Next up for Tennessee is Mississippi State on Wednesday (9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
