Tennessee Star Boswell Doubts Kentucky's Superiority After Sweep

Kentucky has beaten Tennessee twice this season, but Volunteers guard Bishop Boswell insists his team is better.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Despite Kentucky's regular season sweep of the Tennessee Volunteers, Tennessee guard Bishop Boswell claimed after the latest loss that the Volunteers are the better team and have not put together a complete 40-minute performance against the Wildcats. Kentucky coach Mark Pope has led his team to come-from-behind victories in both matchups this season by making strong halftime adjustments.

Why it matters

The comments from Boswell highlight the rivalry between the two SEC powerhouses, as well as the confidence Tennessee still has in its abilities despite the losses. Kentucky's ability to rally from early deficits also raises questions about their first-half focus, though their second-half adjustments have proven effective.

The details

In both games this season, Kentucky has fallen behind early before mounting large second-half comebacks to defeat Tennessee. Boswell said the Volunteers know they are the better team, but have failed to put together a complete 40-minute performance against the Wildcats. Kentucky coach Mark Pope has been praised for his halftime adjustments that have allowed his team to erase early deficits.

  • Kentucky defeated Tennessee twice during the 2025-26 regular season.

The players

Bishop Boswell

A guard for the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team.

Mark Pope

The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I think the most frustrating thing is we know we're a better team than them and we haven't put 40 minutes of basketball together against them, and that comes down to me especially on the defensive end being that anchor and I didn't do the job I needed to do.”

— Bishop Boswell, Tennessee Volunteers Guard

What’s next

If Kentucky and Tennessee meet again in the SEC or NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats will look to prove their regular season dominance was no fluke.

The takeaway

This rivalry game highlights the confidence Tennessee still has in its abilities, despite losing twice to Kentucky this season. The Wildcats' ability to rally from early deficits is a testament to their coach's halftime adjustments, though it also raises questions about their first-half focus.