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Kentucky Wildcats Outlast Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena

In a closely contested conference game, the Kentucky Wildcats emerged victorious over the Tennessee Volunteers with a final score of 63-56. The Wildcats now hold a record of 1-0, while the Volunteers stand at 0-1.


Jan 14, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) shoots the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky Wildcats displayed resilience on the court at Thompson-Boling Arena, overcoming challenges to secure their win against the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. The Wildcats started strong in the first half with 33 points and managed to maintain their lead by adding another 30 points in the second half. Despite facing an aggressive defense from Tennessee, Kentucky's offense was able to make crucial plays when it mattered most.


Kentucky's shooting accuracy from beyond the arc was notable as they made five three-pointers out of sixteen attempts, translating to a three-point percentage of approximately 31 percent. Their free throw performance was particularly impressive; they capitalized on their opportunities by making 22 out of 25 free throws – an outstanding accuracy rate of about 88 percent.


Jan 14, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Uros Plavsic (33) moves the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

On defense, Kentucky managed six steals and blocked one shot while collecting a total of forty-three rebounds – twenty-nine defensive and ten offensive rebounds contributing significantly to their victory. They also scored twelve second-chance points and eleven points off turnovers caused by Tennessee.


The Volunteers put up a valiant effort despite falling short in this encounter. They excelled inside with thirty-six points in paint compared to eighteen by Kentucky and had better two-point field goal percentage at approximately 56 percent (twenty made shots out of thirty-six attempts). However, they struggled from long range, hitting only three out of twenty-one three-point attempts for an approximate percentage of fourteen percent.


Jan 14, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Uros Plavsic (33) shoots the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee also recorded more assists than Kentucky with seventeen but committed more personal fouls totaling twenty-four which proved costly as it allowed Kentucky numerous free throw opportunities.


Fans witnessed eight times tied scores and thirteen lead changes throughout this gripping match-up indicating how competitive both teams were until the final buzzer sounded.


Looking ahead for fans eager to support their team once again: The next game for the Kentucky Wildcats will be held at Rupp Arena against Georgia Bulldogs on January 17th at nine PM Eastern Time. This upcoming match can be watched nationally on ESPN channel two hundred six where fans can cheer on their team as they continue through their season schedule.

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