Tennessee Defeats Kentucky 78-65, Advances to Elite 8

In a decisive NCAA Tournament matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 78-65, ending Kentucky's season and securing a spot in the Elite 8 for the second consecutive year. Tennessee's strong performance featured Zakai Zeigler leading with a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists, along with significant contributions from Chaz Lanier and Jordan Gainey. The Vols effectively neutralized Kentucky's three-point shooting, which had previously been a factor in their earlier losses, allowing only six successful attempts on the night. Tennessee's dominance was also evident in rebounding, where they outmatched the Wildcats 34-24, including 14 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points. Head coach Rick Barnes emphasized the importance of guarding the three-point line, which was a crucial strategy shift from their earlier matchups. The victory marks a significant turnaround for Tennessee against their longtime rivals, showcasing their strength as they advance in the tournament.