This wild stat shows how dominant Tennessee was over Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen

This sure was one way for the Tennessee Vols to send a statement going up against the Kentucky Wildcats. This was supposed to be a heavyweight battle between the two SEC powerhouses that was going to be full of drama and intrigue.

Instead, it was another day at the office for Tennessee, which dominated from start to finish en route to a convincing 78-65 victory. At halftime, the Vols were up 43-28 and Kentucky didn't have a magical comeback in them.

After the win, the Tennessee players were all smiles and rightfully so. They ended their rival's season in the best way possible. Need further proof that this was a one-sided affair? Believe it or not, Tennessee led this game for all but 32 seconds - that's wild to even think about:

Tennessee basketball fully had its way with Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen

Kentucky fans were talking a lot of noise leading up to tip-off, but they're sure being pretty quiet now. In the second half, Kentucky got things within 12 points and the sea of blue in the stands was alive once again. However, the Vols scored five points in five seconds, including a clutch 3-pointer from Zakai Zeigler.

Zeigler was unreal in this one, scoring 18 points and adding 10 assists. Chaz Lanier scored 17 points, while underrated guard Jordan Gainey pitched in with 16. Everything that could have gone right for Tennessee did in this one. They were more physical around the glass, and the defense was too much for Kentucky to handle.

Koby Brea scored 23 points against Illinois in the second round, but he was limited to only five points against the Vols. Kentucky beat Tennessee in Lexington and Knoxville this campaign, but with the stage set at Lucas Oil Stadium this time around, it was UT which shined the brightest. This is a victory Tennessee can enjoy for a little longer, but now it's time to focus on taking down No. 1 seed Houston in the regional final.