Lexington, Kentucky, February 9, 2026
In a thrilling match, Otega Oweh led the Kentucky Wildcats to a 74-71 victory over the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers. Overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit, the Wildcats secured their second win against the Volunteers this season. Key moments included Collin Chandler’s pivotal three-pointer and Denzel Aberdeen’s crucial free throws in the dying seconds. Kentucky celebrated its 1995-96 championship team before the game, adding extra motivation to the night’s performance. With this win, the Wildcats continue to strengthen their position in the SEC standings as they prepare for their upcoming clash against No. 17 Florida.
Lexington, Kentucky – Otega Oweh Leads Wildcats to 74-71 Victory Over No. 25 Tennessee
Lexington, Kentucky – Otega Oweh’s 21-point performance propelled the Kentucky Wildcats to a 74-71 win over the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night. The Wildcats overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to secure a regular-season sweep of the Volunteers, having previously won 80-78 at Tennessee on January 17.
Game Highlights
The Wildcats struggled early and trailed for most of the game, leading for only four minutes. With 32 seconds remaining, Collin Chandler’s three-pointer gave Kentucky a crucial 71-69 lead. Denzel Aberdeen sealed the win by making two free throws with just 3.7 seconds left, finishing the game with 16 points. Malachi Moreno also contributed with 10 points, helping the Wildcats achieve a significant 41-24 advantage in the second half.
Tennessee’s Performance
Freshman Nate Ament led the Volunteers with a career-high 29 points, including 19 in the first half. Ament’s consecutive three-pointers played a key role in a scoring run that gave Tennessee a 28-18 lead. Other notable contributors included Ja’Kobi Gillespie with 15 points, and both J.P. Estrella and Bishop Boswell added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Special Tribute
Prior to the game, Kentucky paid tribute to its 1995-96 national championship team, showcasing the denim uniforms worn during their iconic “Untouchables” title run 30 years ago.
Upcoming Games
The Volunteers, with a record of 16-7 and 6-4 in the SEC, will visit Mississippi State on Wednesday. The Wildcats, at 17-7 and 8-3 in the SEC, are scheduled to play against No. 17 Florida on Saturday.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Kentucky | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 74 | 71 |
| Leading Scorer | Otega Oweh (21 points) | Nate Ament (29 points) |
| Halftime Score | 33 | 47 |
| Second Half Points | 41 | 24 |
| Free Throws Made | 14 | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. Tennessee game?
The final score was Kentucky 74, Tennessee 71.
Who led the scoring for Kentucky in the game?
Otega Oweh led Kentucky with 21 points.
What was the halftime score of the game?
The halftime score was Kentucky 33, Tennessee 47.
What special tribute did Kentucky honor before the game?
Kentucky honored its 1995-96 national championship team and wore the denim uniforms from that era.
When is Kentucky’s next game?
Kentucky’s next game is on Saturday at No. 17 Florida.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Wildcats Secure Victory Over Tennessee Volunteers
Kentucky Wildcats Rally to Beat Tennessee Volunteers
Kentucky Wildcats to Celebrate Championship Win with Denim Uniforms
Fatal Stabbing Raises Homicide Count in Lexington
Otega Oweh Shines in Kentucky’s Victory Over Oklahoma
Domestic Violence Suspect Shot by Police in Lexington
Tom Eblen Appointed to Lexington’s Urban County Council
Mikayla Blakes Powers No. 5 Commodores to Victory Over Florida
Otega Oweh Leads Kentucky Wildcats to Victory Over Oklahoma Sooners
Otega Oweh’s Heroics Propel Wildcats Past Oklahoma
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
