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Tennessee is heading back to the Elite Eight as defense clamps down in 78-65 win over Kentucky

On Friday night in Indianapolis, the second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers defeated the third-seeded Kentucky Wildcats 78-65 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
Despite losing twice to Kentucky in the regular season, Tennessee's relentless defense and offensive rebounding allowed them to control the game, holding the Wildcats to 65 points, well below their 85-point scoring average.
Zakai Zeigler led Tennessee with 18 points and 10 assists, supported by Chaz Lanier's 17 points and Jordan Gainey's 16 points, while Lamont Butler scored 18 points for Kentucky.
After building a 19-point lead and holding a 43-28 advantage at the half, the Vols maintained control, showcasing their aggressive and smart play, as Felix Okpara stated, "It felt like we were playing Tennessee basketball, playing aggressive, playing smart all-around."
Tennessee, with a 30-7 record, will now face either Houston or Purdue in the Midwest Region final on Sunday, aiming for their first Final Four appearance, while Kentucky's season concludes with a 24-12 record and Mark Pope's first year as coach ending in a loss.

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247Sports

Center

Everything Rick Barnes said after Tennessee's win over Kentucky in Sweet Sixteen

Tennessee basketball beat Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament on Friday to advance to the Elite Eight. Here's everything Rick Barnes said about the Vols' historic win.

2 days ago·United States

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Spectrum News

Center

Wildcats eliminated from NCAA Tournament, stifled by Tennessee's defense

Lamont Butler scored 18 points to lead Mark Pope's team. Kentucky's 65 points matched their fewest in a game this season.

2 days ago·United States

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The Daily Memphian

Center

Vols show Wildcats who's boss in convincing Sweet 16 win

Zakai Zeigler had 18 points and 10 assists, as Tennessee outhustled and outplayed Kentucky on both ends of the court.

3 days ago

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WLKY

Center

Kentucky's NCAA Tournament run ends, Cats fall to Tennessee in Sweet 16

Kentucky's NCAA Tournament run came to an end Friday as the Wildcats fell to Tennessee in the Sweet 16.

3 days ago·Louisville, United States

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New York Post

Lean Right

Tennessee returns to March Madness Elite Eight after cruising past Kentucky

Zakai Zeigler had 18 points and 10 assists, and Tennessee outplayed Kentucky and advanced to a second consecutive March Madness Elite Eight.

3 days ago·New York, United States

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Outkick

Right

Tennessee In Elite Company, As Zakai Zeigler Performs His Best Peyton Manning Impression Against Kentucky

INDIANAPOLIS - Tennessee is officially in elite company after demoralizing the heavy Kentucky crowd inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night with a 78-65 victory over the Wildcats. In what many thought would be a tight ballgame inside the home that Peyton Manning built, those folks obviously didn’t get the memo that the ‘Manning Curse’ officially ended in 2022, inside Neyland Stadium. No, tonight's matchup between the second-seeded Vols and No. …

3 days ago·Nashville, United States

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