The Cats love being 'dogs in Knoxville

DrewFranklinKSR

tennessee-fans-kentucky-png — Tennessee fans yell at a Kentucky fan before the start of the NCAA college basketball game between Tennessee and Kentucky on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Kentucky did it again. The Wildcats went down to Knoxville and beat another top-10 Tennessee team, marking a third straight season of spoiling the Vols’ fun as an underdog south of the border. The third win of the three-peat looked just like the first, two years ago, when UK took a limited roster into Tennessee and still overcame the odds to beat the Vols.

While you celebrate, a look back at Kentucky’s recent success when it was unexpected. “Rocky Top” never sounded better than right now.

2023: Kentucky 63, Tennessee 56 (11.5-point underdog)

Jan 14, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard CJ Fredrick (1) moves the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Jonas Aidoo (0) during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Two years ago, John Calipari’s Wildcats traveled to Knoxville in a nearly identical situation as the present-day team: a two-game losing streak, a point guard in street clothes, another injured starter who gave it a go, and an 11.5-point spread in the sportsbooks. That year, Kentucky held Tennessee to 14.3% shooting from 3 in the 63-56 upset on Chris Lofton Night at Thompson-Boling Arena. Antonio Reeves came off the bench for his breakout game (18 points) in the win, plus CJ Fredrick stepping up (13 points) in a starting role by necessity. The Wildcats were so limited that Adou Thiero, then a freshman, filled in at point guard in the surprise win over No. 5 Tennessee for that 2022-23 team.

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2024: Kentucky 85, Tennessee 81 (9.5-point underdog)

Mar 9, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; The Kentucky Wildcats bench reacts to a three pointer against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Kentucky upset No. 4 Tennessee with similar expectations in Knoxville. The Wildcats were 9.5-point underdogs before Kentucky won the regular season finale with 27 points each from Reed Sheppard and Antonio Reeves. The Vols weren’t as cold as in 2023 and 2025–Dalton Knecht scored 40 points–but the result was still the same: a Kentucky win that shattered the souls of everyone in Orange.

2025: Kentucky 78, Tennessee 73 (10.5-point underdog)

Jan 28, 2025; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Koby Brea (4) is helped off the floor by teammates during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

A third straight upset seemed unlikely before tip-off in 2025, again with Kentucky as a double-digit underdog. Down two point guards and one power forward, Mark Pope’s Wildcats made their 3s while watching Tennessee miss 34 (!!!) shots from outside in the 85-81 win for the good guys. Ansley Almonor and Koby Brea played the roles of CJ Fredrick and Antonio Reeves of 2023, each seizing their opportunity with extended minutes. Jaxson Robinson had 17 behind Brea’s game-high 18 in the victory.

Do it again next year?