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Tennessee is moving on in the NCAA Tournament.
The Vols defeated Kentucky 78-65 on Friday night in Indianapolis, punching their ticket to the Elite Eight. The win wiped away 2 previous losses to the Wildcats this season and ensures Tennessee is still alive in its pursuit for its first-ever Final Four appearance.
Kentucky jumped out to a 3-2 lead early on, but that proved to be its last lead of the game. The Vols took a 10-point lead with 8:54 remaining in the 1st half and Kentucky never got back within single digits.
Zakai Zeigler led the way, as he often does, with 18 points and 10 assists. Felix Okpara also made a huge impact in this game with 11 rebounds, including 7 on the offensive glass. The Vols dominated this game in the rebounding department, and Okpara was a major reason why. Tennessee had 19 second-chance points in this game compared to only 5 from the Wildcats.
Tennessee dominated this game from inside the arc. Despite a poor 3-point shooting night, the Vols made over 50% of their field goal attempts in the win. Jordan Gainey was a big help in that regard as he chipped in 16 points off the bench — including 5 made 2-point baskets.
This is Tennessee’s 3rd Elite Eight appearance all-time, but it’s 2nd in a row. The Vols also previously reached that stage in 2010 when they were led by Bruce Pearl.
Tennessee will face either Houston or Purdue in the Elite Eight on Sunday.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
