Kentucky Basketball rallies past Tennessee: 4 things to know and postgame cheers

Kentucky Basketball hoped to celebrate the return of the denim jerseys with a win, and they delivered in dramatic fashion, defeating the Tennessee Volunteers by a final score of 74-71 after trailing 47-33 at halftime.

In their first time wearing the iconic denim uniforms since the 1995–96 championship season, and with members of the “Untouchables” honored at Rupp Arena, the Wildcats stormed back from 14 points down to defeat Tennessee on Saturday night.

Earlier this season, Kentucky erased a 17-point deficit in Knoxville to stun the Vols on the road. This time, they did it again—this time in front of a roaring home crowd.

Tennessee controlled the first half behind a scorching performance from Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who combined for 33 first-half points, matching Kentucky’s team total and building a 47–33 Vols advantage at the break.

In the second half, Kentucky tightened up defensively, rebounded with purpose, and finally found an offensive rhythm. The denim-clad Wildcats chipped away possession by possession until the building erupted as they took the lead for good in the final minute.

With the victory, Kentucky improves to 17–7 (8–3 SEC) after defeating the Vols.

Here are four things to know from an awesome night at Rupp Arena!

1. Kentucky Adjusted Defensively and Finally Slowed Ament and Gillespie

The story of the first half was simple: Kentucky couldn’t stop Nate Ament or Ja’Kobi Gillespie. The Tennessee stars combined for 33 points before halftime, carving up the Wildcats with a combination of shot-making, dribble penetration, and elite pacing.

The second half was a different defensive performance. Kentucky forced the ball out of their hands more often, flattened Tennessee’s drives, and made every shot tougher. The Wildcats cut off transition lanes, denied early actions, and refused to let the Vols control the pace.

Slowing Tennessee’s two hottest weapons opened the door for the comeback. Once Kentucky finally cooled them down, the game changed, as the Vols scored just 24 points in the second half.

2. Free Throws Nearly Cost Kentucky Again

Kentucky’s free-throw shooting continues to be one of its biggest inconsistencies. The Wildcats opened the game by missing their first five attempts and ended the first half shooting just 33.3% from the line.

It put them in an early hole and stalled several potential scoring runs.

The second half, however, told a different story. Kentucky stepped to the line with confidence, hit the free throws that mattered most, and refused to let opportunities slip away.

In a tight comeback win, every point mattered, and the improvement after halftime was essential.

3. Kentucky’s Rebounding Must Become a Priority

While Kentucky rallied to win, the game also highlighted a growing issue: Rebounding.

Tennessee’s physicality on the glass generated second-chance opportunities that kept the Wildcats playing uphill. Missed blockouts, slow reactions to long rebounds, and moments of softness around the rim nearly swung the game away from Kentucky for good.

If the Wildcats want to make noise in March, this has to improve. They have the length, athleticism, and bodies to dominate the boards—but consistency has been elusive.

This comeback doesn’t erase the concern. It shines a brighter light on it, but thankfully, it did not result in an L.

4. Otega Oweh Continues His SEC Player of the Year Push

In the biggest moments, seniors lead, and Otega Oweh continues to embrace that role better than anyone on the roster.

Once again surpassing the 20-point mark, Oweh attacked fearlessly, finishing through contact, creating offense, and keeping Kentucky afloat when the game felt on the brink of slipping away. His leadership steadied the team, and his poise was a major reason Kentucky believed the comeback was possible.

With every performance, Oweh strengthens his case for SEC Player of the Year. His toughness, production, and emotional presence are at the heart of Kentucky’s identity.

If this team goes far in March, Oweh will be the engine.

Now, let’s celebrate!

GO CATS!!