Tennessee Basketball: Vols pick up huge win at Rupp Arena

The Tennessee Volunteers basketball team picked up a huge win last night against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena.

If you didn’t think the Volunteers were a legit basketball team, then you should start believing they are now. Tennessee is now on a six game win streak after a win last night against Kentucky.

The Volunteers went into Rupp Arena last night and got a huge win against a ranked Kentucky team. Last night’s win was the first Tennessee victory in Rupp Arena since 2005, and was the first season sweep of Kentucky since the 1998-1999 season. Tennessee has shown over the course of the year that they are a good basketball team, but many people doubted the young team as they went into a hostile crowd at Rupp Arena. After blowout wins against Iowa State, LSU and Ole Miss, many people questioned if the Volunteers would take that hot streak into the Kentucky game. They did just that.

Both teams started the game out slow, as the teams were tied 12-12 at the under eight timeout. The Volunteers took a 27-26 lead into halftime. Neither team was able to break away over the course of the game, leaving room for an exciting finish. Lamonte Turner knocked down a huge three pointer with just 28 seconds left to give Tennessee a one-point lead. John Calipari let a young Kentucky squad bring the ball down the court to try and win the game, but the Volunteers were able to force a turnover, as Admiral Schofield was able to break away for a slam dunk and a three-point lead.

Lamonte Turner had another huge game for the Volunteers, as he lead the team with 16 points. Turner was able to knock down many clutch three pointers over the course of the game, including the game winner. Turner has now scored 10 or more points in the last four games, and has shot 16-28 from the three point line in that span.

Schofield also played great for the Volunteers, grabbing a few clutch rebounds, and making the dunk to signify the Volunteers victory. Schofield showed up for Tennessee, as Grant Williams was in foul trouble for much of the night, as he only shot 1-3 from the field. Williams ended up with 10 points, but because he made 8-10 free throws.

The Volunteers defense was able to hold Kevin Knox to just 10 points, as he had a total of 16 points against Tennessee this year. Quade Green showed out off the bench for Kentucky as he put up 15 points in 29 minutes of playing time.

The Volunteers have another tough game this coming Saturday as they travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tennessee has a tough task ahead as they try and slow down Collin Sexton. Sexton is averaging 18.6 points a game this year as a freshman, and has a chance to be the SEC Player of the Year.