#12 Kentucky outlasts #8 Tennessee to break SEC losing streak

KNOXVILLE, Tn. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The volunteers undefeated season in Thompson-Boling is no more. In a thrilling finish, the cats held out to hand #8 Tennessee a 78-73 loss, snapping a two game SEC losing streak.

Kentucky had to rely on the depth of their team for this win.

Lamont Butler was ruled “out” for Tuesday’s game. Travis Perry and Collin Chandler came in and held their own against one of the best defenses in the country. Kobe Brea and Jaxson Robinson didn’t miss a beat. Amari Williams also played a huge role in bringing the ball down the court.

The cats were hopeful to have Andrew Carr back after he was taken off of the SEC availability report Tuesday night. However, Carr’s time in the game was short and sweet. The graduate student played just a minute and a half before stepping out and putting his sweatshirt back on for the rest of the game. Players like Ansley Almonor and Trent Noah had no hesitations when their name was called.

It helped that the cats shot the ball very well on Tuesday; 50% from the field and 50% from the three (12-24). Kobe Brea was 3-3 from behind the arc and Ansley Almonor and Jaxson Robinson both drilled four treys.

Kentucky hosts John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday night at 9 p.m. at Rupp Arena.