Kentucky Wildcats MBB Upsets #10 Tennesse 66-54 For Season Sweep

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The Wildcats of Kentucky had an impressive 66-54 win over their border state rival, No. 10 Tennessee, on Saturday afternoon at Rupp Arena. The game marked the convergence of Kentucky’s past, present, and future.

Coach John Calipari was particularly happy with his team’s defense and rebounding, with Kentucky out-rebounding Tennessee by eight, a team that boasts a plus-eight rebounding record on the season. The victory was Kentucky’s second Quad 1 win in just four days, following their 71-68 win over Mississippi State.

The Wildcats’ performance on Saturday was reminiscent of their glory days, particularly the teams from 1996 through 1998, who were honored during halftime. These teams were the pride of the Bluegrass State, advancing to three consecutive Final Fours, appearing in three national championship games, and winning titles in the first and last seasons of that impressive run.

The game also provided a glimpse into the Wildcats’ future, with Justin Edwards of Philadelphia, one of the nation’s top-ranked recruits and a future Wildcat, in attendance. The crowd welcomed him with a standing ovation, and Edwards took to the court during a break in the first half.

Although Kentucky is still struggling to get off the NCAA Tournament bubble, they are now in a much better position than they were just a week ago. On February 11, the Wildcats lost on the road to Georgia, marking their second setback of that variety this season. However, UK went 2-0 in the two games following those losses and now has three Quad 1 victories on the season.

Kentucky was short-handed for the third straight outing, but guard Cason Wallace and forward Chris Livingston, both UK freshmen, stepped up to secure the win. Wallace scored a team-best 16 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out a game-high six assists. Meanwhile, Livingston recorded his first double-double of his college career with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The victory was a significant moment for Kentucky basketball, showcasing the team’s present and future while also honoring its storied past. The Wildcats are now tied for third in the SEC alongside Tennessee and are looking to secure their position in the NCAA Tournament.