Tennessee Guard Outlines Keys to Defeating Kentucky

Amari Evans explains what the Vols must do to avenge their earlier loss to the Wildcats

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Tennessee guard Amari Evans discussed what the Vols need to do to capture a win against Kentucky in their upcoming SEC rivalry matchup. Tennessee previously lost to Kentucky in January after blowing a 16-point first-half lead. Evans said Tennessee must play a complete 40-minute game and not let Kentucky come back like they did in the previous meeting.

Why it matters

This game is a crucial SEC matchup with major implications for the conference standings. Both Tennessee and Kentucky are chasing Texas A&M for the top spot in the SEC, so this game could have a significant impact on the final SEC rankings.

The details

In the first matchup, Tennessee jumped out to a 16-point lead in the first half but couldn't hold on as Kentucky rallied back and eventually took the lead late in the second half to win. Evans said the Vols can't let that happen again and need to play hard for the full 40 minutes. Since that loss, both teams have been on hot streaks, with Tennessee winning four straight and Kentucky going 4-1.

  • Tennessee and Kentucky first met in Knoxville in January, with Kentucky winning.
  • The rematch will take place this Saturday night in Lexington.

The players

Amari Evans

A Tennessee guard who discussed what the Vols need to do to beat Kentucky.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.

Kentucky Wildcats

The basketball team Tennessee will be facing, who they previously lost to in January.

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What they’re saying

“We need to play a full 40 minutes. I feel like we probably played 27, 28 minutes last game and they took over at the end of the game. We can't let that happen. We've just got to play hard for the full 40 and hopefully we come out on top at the end.”

— Amari Evans, Tennessee guard

“Well, obviously, a little more experienced because of just playing games and starting to get more guys involved. More guys, I think, are really finding their role, what they can do, and how they can help us. And a little more balance than we had back then.”

— Rick Barnes, Tennessee head coach

What’s next

The winner of this Saturday's game will gain ground on Texas A&M in the SEC standings. Tennessee and Kentucky are both chasing the Aggies for the top spot in the conference.

The takeaway

This SEC rivalry matchup between Tennessee and Kentucky will have major implications for the conference race. The Vols are determined to avenge their earlier loss to the Wildcats by playing a complete 40-minute game and not letting Kentucky mount another comeback.