Kentucky's ability to capitalize on three-point opportunities was a key factor in their victory over Tennessee. The Wildcats shot an impressive 12-of-24 from beyond the arc, with freshman Trent Noah contributing a career-high nine points, all from three-pointers. This shooting spree helped Kentucky build a significant lead in the first half, putting pressure on Tennessee's offense, which struggled to connect from long range. The Wildcats' three-point shooting prowess proved to be the kryptonite for Tennessee's defense, as they failed to counter Kentucky's scoring from distance [1].

Tennessee faced difficulties in their shooting, particularly from the three-point line, where they went just three-of-17. Coach Rick Barnes made strategic adjustments, focusing on inside plays rather than perimeter shots, resulting in 32 points in the paint. Igor Milicic Jr. and Zakai Zeigler were standout performers for the Vols, with Milicic scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Zeigler added 17 points and six assists. Despite these efforts, Tennessee's inability to consistently score from outside hindered their comeback attempts [1].

The game remained tightly contested until the final moments, with both teams exchanging leads. However, Kentucky's 12-2 run in the closing minutes proved decisive. Despite the absence of star guard Lamont Butler due to a shoulder injury, Kentucky managed to regroup and execute a winning strategy. Coach Mark Pope's timely timeout helped the Wildcats regain composure and control the game's tempo, ultimately leading to their victory. This win marked Kentucky's second triumph over Tennessee this season, completing a regular-season sweep [1].