College basketball insider provides strong take on Sahvir Wheeler after Kentucky win vs. Tennessee

It’s hard to script a better bounce-back for Kentucky as the Wildcats went into Tennessee and defeated the No. 5-ranked Volunteers on Saturday. They did it without Sahvir Wheeler due to an injury — and The Athletic and CBS Sports’ Seth Davis offered a strong take about the impact of Wheeler’s absence.

Just prior to tip-off, Kentucky announced Wheeler would miss the game due to a shoulder injury. He’s been a key piece of the Wildcats offense this year, leading the SEC with 6.3 assists per game this season and averaging 9.1 points per contest. But Davis argued Kentucky’s offense might have looked better without Wheeler in the lineup, as evidenced by their 14 assists on 18 made field goals.

“I don’t mean to sound harsh but the reality is that Kentucky looked more cohesive and efficient with Wheeler out of the lineup,” Davis said. “Played thru [Jacob] Toppin and [Cason] Wallace. It’s like when the backup QB comes in and sparks a streak. Gotta stay with the hot hand.”

Kentucky makes program history with upset victory over Tennessee

Kentucky defeated No. 5 Tennessee 63-56 in Knoxville Saturday, and for the first time in UK basketball history, an unranked Wildcats team has defeated an AP top-five team on the road, according to UK Athletics statistician Corey Price.

Kentucky had been off the mark since entering SEC play. UK’s 1-3 record heading into Saturday was the second worst in the conference. But the statement win over the SEC’s reigning champions is a great way to get back on track.

The fan base had lost a lot of faith in the players and head coach John Calipari, but the win will be a big step toward rejuvenating the interest of Big Blue Nation in this year’s squad. The Wildcats will look to ride this wave of momentum heading into Tuesday night’s game against Georgia at Rupp Arena.