Kentucky Unleashes Offensive Firepower in 107-79 Win over Tennessee

The Kentucky Wildcats looked like the best team in college basketball Saturday at Rupp Arena. Kentucky’s offensive attack completely overwhelmed the Tennessee defense, routing the Volunteers 107-79 in one of the most dominant performances of the Calipari era.

Rick Barnes’ Volunteers entered the game with the second-ranked defensive team in America, according to KenPom, allowing just 60.9 points per game. The Wildcats surpassed that mark with 17:26 on the clock. Kentucky could seemingly do no wrong on offense in the first half, knocking down 78.6% of their shots to score a season-high 52 points. John Calipari’s team sank 11-of-18 three-pointers and made 68% of its shots from the field.

The Vols did have one thing going their way. Not an exceptional three-point shooting team, Tennessee made 11 of its 23 attempts from long range. Still, it was not enough to keep up with the Cats, who at times appeared invincible.

Kentucky’s Top Performers

Sahvir Wheeler returned to the starting lineup and did not miss a beat. The point guard scored 21 points and only two missed shots, a three and a desperation attempt at the end of the shot clock. Wheeler continued to distribute, dishing out eight assists to go with a pair of steals.

Just because Wheeler was back, TyTy Washington did not take a back seat. The freshman dropped a team-high 28 points against his old foe, Kennedy Chandler. Washington also had five assists and three steals.

Of course, Oscar Tshiebwe had double digit rebounds. He racked up 12 boards and nine points in the win.

Kellan Grady may have been the catalyst for Kentucky’s hot start. He drained back-to-back threes in the opening minutes, setting the standard for the rest of the team. He finished the night 4-of-7 from behind the three-point line, including an ‘and one’ from long range, to score 16 points.

Davion Mintz produced two of the best highlights of the night. He crossed up a defender in the corner and instead of laying it gently off the glass, finished with authority, slamming one home. Later in the game the Cats appeared to have an easy transition layup. One the ball was fumbled, Mintz took the road less traveled and buried a three right in a Vol’s face. It was one of many humiliating moments for Tennessee.

An Unstoppable Homage to Joe B. Hall

The morning began with a somber note with the news of the passing of former coach, Joe B. Hall. Prior to tip-off UK honored the National Champion with a moment of silence. That moment of silence was respectful, but there was a better way to honor the late coach. The Wildcats did that with their play on the court.

Calipari opened the game by playing a 1-3-1 zone while holding a rolled up program on the sideline. The salute to Hall’s style set the tone for the Cats, who completely controlled the game, causing the crowd to erupt early and often in one of the most entertaining Kentucky basketball wins in recent memory.

Kentucky scored 81 points and only missed nine shots in the first 30 minutes of the game against one of the best defenses in America. The Wildcats could do no wrong. They honored Joe B. Hall the only way they knew how: by beating the hell out of Tennessee.

Box Score