Kentucky shot the ball surprisingly well against Tennessee, powering the sweep over the Volunteers.
The Tennessee Volunteers came into their matchups with the Kentucky Wildcats boasting the nation’s best 3-point defense, holding opponents to just 26.6% shooting from beyond the arc.
However, when facing the Wildcats, that elite perimeter defense was torched by Mark Pope’s bunch.
In two games against Tennessee, Kentucky delivered incredible offensive performances from deep, shooting a blistering 24/48 from 3-point range. The Wildcats not only shattered the Volunteers’ defensive averages but also made it clear that they could exploit even the toughest defenses when their shots were falling.
The contrast between the two teams’ shooting performances was stark. While Kentucky lit it up from the perimeter, Tennessee struggled mightily from deep, going just 14/63 (22.2%) across the two contests.
The Volunteers, a team known for their suffocating defense, couldn’t keep pace with the Wildcats’ offensive firepower, ultimately suffering two losses in the season series.
Kentucky’s ability to break down Tennessee’s defense from long-range speaks to the team’s offensive versatility. The Wildcats moved the ball well, created open looks, and knocked down shots at an elite level against a defense that has shut down nearly every other opponent this season.
With March Madness approaching, these performances prove that Kentucky has the shooting ability to compete with anyone in the country. If the Wildcats can continue to shoot at this level, they will be a dangerous team in the postseason, no matter who stands in their way.