Captain Clutch. That’s it. That’s the lede.
With 27.4 seconds remaining, Collin Chandler hit an ear-shattering 3-pointer to give the Kentucky Wildcats a 71-69 lead.
Three free throws later, and the Wildcats had an improbable 74-71 win over the Tennessee Volunteers.
The Wildcats were down 14 at halftime, 47-33. Then, their defense clamped down in the second half. Kentucky held Tennessee to just 6-30 from the floor in the second half and 0-6 from 3-point range.
This team has resiliency and an “it” factor
to them. The Wildcats have won eight of nine and 12 of 15.
First Half
Tennessee came out in full throttle in the first half. Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament seemingly couldn’t miss anywhere on the floor. They combined to go 8-14 from 3-point range and 12-20 from the field overall for 33 points.
The Volunteers shot 8-15 from 3-point range as a team and 53.1 percent overall. Tennessee also had 15 assists on 17 made field goals.
Kentucky did not play a bad first half offensively. They were 50 percent from the field overall, but they were only 2-9 from 3-point range and 3-9 from the free-throw line. Three-of-nine from the free-throw line.
In addition, Tennessee’s physicality was imposing in the first half. They out-rebounded Kentucky 21-14, including 6-3 on the offensive glass.
Second Half
Incredibly, the Wildcats came out and completely flipped the game on both ends of the floor. Their defense made it difficult for the Volunteers to score and get good looks.
Kentucky roared all the way back to take a 61-60 lead with 6:18 remaining, sending the crowd at Rupp Arena into a frenzy.
It became a defensive battle from there, with both teams struggling to get into a consistent rhythm offensively. Kentucky, though, stood tough and did not let Tennessee pull away.
Their toughness paid off, as Kentucky would need every bit of it, as the final minutes were a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging lead after lead until Chandler’s dagger shot put Kentucky up for good.
Highlights
Box Score
MVP: Big Blue Nation
I have to give credit to the crowd at Rupp Arena tonight. It was an incredible environment to be in. The fans brought an insane amount of energy. Chandler’s three set off an ear-shattering eruption from the Rupp Arena crowd. It’s a moment fans won’t soon forget.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee Twitter Reactions
Big Blue Nation was also active on social media throughout the game. Here are the best reactions from Big Blue Nation.
