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Tennessee basketball: Vols haven’t fared well against No.1 ranked teams in the past

By Billy Williford

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 06: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates during the 61-59 win against the Kentucky Wildcats in the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 06: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates during the 61-59 win against the Kentucky Wildcats in the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – November 27: Kevin Punter #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a basket against George Washington Colonials at Barclays Center on November 27, 2015, in Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Kentucky Wildcats (26-0) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (14-11)

February 17, 2015 – Knoxville, TN

The Kentucky Wildcats came to Knoxville with a 25 game winning streak. They left with a 26-0 record for the first time in program history.

This really wasn’t a fair contest. Tennessee didn’t have close to the same amount of talent on the floor. Anytime the Wildcats have Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis coming off the bench; you know you are in trouble.

The starting lineup didn’t have a weakness and was long. The Harrison twins controlled the backcourt, while Willie Cauley-Stein and Karl Anthony Towns protected the rim. Oh and don’t forget about Trey Lyles. This team was stacked despite only seven players receiving significant minutes.

Must Read. Kendal Briles would bring no real baggage to Vols. light

Despite a gutsy 14-point performance from Vols’ Kevin Punter, Tennessee didn’t have enough to stay with the Wildcats. Josh Richardson was the only other Vol in double figures scoring ten points.

It was only a five-point game at halftime, and then the Cats picked up their defense limiting the Vols to just 17 points in the second half. Tennessee held Towns to three points and held the Wildcats to 22 percent from deep but still ended up losing by 18 points.

Kentucky went on to have an undefeated season at 34-0. They kept that momentum in the big dance making it all the way to the Final Four before losing to Wisconsin 71-64.

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