Lexington, Kentucky, February 8, 2026
The Kentucky Wildcats mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers 74-71 at Rupp Arena. Trailing by 14 at halftime, the Wildcats turned the game around with strong performances from Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen, whose late-game efforts sealed the win. The victory marked a regular-season sweep against their rivals, adding another thrilling chapter to the historic Kentucky-Tennessee rivalry.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Kentucky Wildcats staged an impressive comeback after trailing by 14 points at halftime to secure a 74-71 victory over the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night at Rupp Arena, achieving a regular-season sweep against their Southeastern Conference rivals.
Key Moments
- Collin Chandler’s Game-Winning Three-Pointer: With just 33 seconds remaining, Chandler made a significant three-pointer, putting Kentucky ahead 71-69.
- Denzel Aberdeen’s Free Throws: Following a layup by Tennessee’s Nate Ament that briefly regained the lead for the Volunteers, Aberdeen solidified the win with two free throws, bringing the score to its final 74-71 with only 3.7 seconds left.
Player Performances
- Otega Oweh: Led the Wildcats with 21 points and was pivotal to their second-half resurgence.
- Denzel Aberdeen: Contributed 16 points, including crucial free throws in the final moments.
- Malachi Moreno: Added 10 points from the bench, lending significant support during the comeback.
- Nate Ament: Achieved a career-high 29 points for Tennessee, with 19 points coming in the first half.
- Ja’Kobi Gillespie: Scored 15 points, helping Tennessee maintain an early lead.
- J.P. Estrella: Contributed 11 points, furthering Tennessee’s offensive efforts in the first half.
Game Highlights
- First Half: Tennessee dominated the first half, leading 47-33, with Ament leading the charge with 19 points.
- Second Half: Kentucky outperformed Tennessee in the second half, scoring 41 points to Tennessee’s 24, largely thanks to Oweh’s strong performance.
- Uniform Tribute: In honor of their 1995-96 national championship team, Kentucky wore denim uniforms, celebrating their historical legacy.
Season Implications
- Kentucky’s Record: The Wildcats improved to 17-7 overall and 8-3 in the SEC, keeping their position firm in the conference standings.
- Tennessee’s Record: The Volunteers fell to 16-7, now holding a 6-4 record in the SEC, impacting their conference standing.
Upcoming Games
- Kentucky: Next will face No. 17 Florida on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Tennessee: Is scheduled to visit Mississippi State on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Background
The Kentucky–Tennessee rivalry is one of college basketball’s most historic rivalries, characterized by intense competition and a rich history. This latest game added another thrilling chapter to their ongoing rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. Tennessee game?
The final score was Kentucky 74, Tennessee 71.
Who led Kentucky in scoring?
Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 21 points.
Who led Tennessee in scoring?
Nate Ament led Tennessee with a career-high 29 points.
What was the halftime score?
The halftime score was Tennessee 47, Kentucky 33.
When is Kentucky’s next game?
Kentucky’s next game is against No. 17 Florida on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
When is Tennessee’s next game?
Tennessee’s next game is at Mississippi State on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Kentucky 74, Tennessee 71 |
| Halftime Score | Tennessee 47, Kentucky 33 |
| Leading Scorer for Kentucky | Otega Oweh with 21 points |
| Leading Scorer for Tennessee | Nate Ament with 29 points |
| Game-Winning Play | Collin Chandler’s three-pointer with 33 seconds left |
| Upcoming Game for Kentucky | Against No. 17 Florida on February 14, 2026 |
| Upcoming Game for Tennessee | At Mississippi State on February 11, 2026 |
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