Kentucky Wildcats Rally to Defeat Tennessee Volunteers

Wildcats overcome double-digit deficit to beat ranked Volunteers for second time this season

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Kentucky Wildcats rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat the No. 24 Tennessee Volunteers 74-71 in a thrilling comeback victory at Rupp Arena. The win marked the second time this season that Kentucky has overcome a large deficit to beat Tennessee, having previously won 80-78 in Knoxville on January 17th. Kentucky outscored Tennessee 41-24 in the second half to complete the comeback, with Collin Chandler hitting a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute to give the Wildcats the lead for good.

Why it matters

The victory over a ranked Tennessee team continues Kentucky's impressive season and demonstrates the Wildcats' ability to win close games against tough conference opponents. The comeback also comes on a special night where Kentucky honored its 1995-96 national championship team, known as the "Untouchables", adding to the significance of the win.

The details

Kentucky trailed 47-33 at halftime but increased its defensive pressure in the second half, limiting Tennessee to just 37% shooting for the game. Otega Oweh led the Wildcats with 21 points, including the assist on Chandler's go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute. Tennessee's Nate Ament scored 21 points in the first half but was held to just 8 in the second half as Kentucky's defense clamped down.

  • Kentucky trailed Tennessee 47-33 at halftime.
  • Collin Chandler hit a 3-pointer with 32 seconds remaining to give Kentucky a 71-69 lead.
  • Malachi Moreno and Denzel Aberdeen sank three of four free throws with 3.7 seconds left for the final 74-71 margin.

The players

Mark Pope

Kentucky head coach and captain of the 1996 national championship team.

Otega Oweh

Kentucky player who led the team with 21 points, including the assist on the go-ahead 3-pointer.

Collin Chandler

Kentucky player who hit the crucial 3-pointer in the final minute to give the Wildcats the lead.

Nate Ament

Tennessee player who scored 21 points in the first half but was limited to just 8 in the second half.

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What they’re saying

“What a game … what a game. It was a great college basketball game — elite-level talent on the floor making big-time plays, two teams really fighting it out. I'm really just really grateful to be a part of it. We had a normal Kentucky circus day today.”

— Mark Pope, Kentucky head coach (yoursportsedge.com)

“It's what you dream of and it's just coming in the flow of our offense. I'm just grateful for that moment.”

— Collin Chandler, Kentucky player (yoursportsedge.com)

“It was a really cool night. I came to shootaround, brought out the new jerseys for them. We got to honor and celebrate them and what they did. We dream and aspire for that every single day.”

— Otega Oweh, Kentucky player (yoursportsedge.com)

What’s next

The Wildcats will look to build on this comeback victory as they continue their SEC schedule, with their next game coming against Vanderbilt on February 15th.

The takeaway

Kentucky's ability to rally from large deficits and defeat ranked conference opponents like Tennessee demonstrates the team's resilience and competitive spirit. The win also honors the legacy of the 1996 national championship team, showing that the current Wildcats squad is writing its own impressive chapter in Kentucky basketball history.