What a season.
For the first time since 2019, the Kentucky Wildcats returned to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Their matchup for tonight… the Tennessee Volunteers.
In what was a complete rout, the Vols made sure they did not lose a third game to this Kentucky team, winning by a final score of 78-65.
If you like pretty basketball, you did not see that from Kentucky in the first half. After two impressive performances against Tennessee in the regular season, it was the exact opposite tonight, especially on the offensive end, as this Kentucky team could not get any movement to shake the Vols’ defense. Add that in with the struggles on the defensive glass, and it was a complete rout in the first 20 minutes, with Tennessee leading 43-28.
Coming out of the half, the Cats showed some fight, keeping it between a 12-15 point lead for the first 12 minutes of the second period. Unfortunately, that is when the wheels fell off and never got put back on.
After a remarkable season from this team, it ends with a whimper in Indianapolis. Most of us would have easily taken a Sweet 16 trip last April, especially after all the injuries that riddled this team through the season. However, the loss coming to Tennessee makes this sting just a little bit more.
Now we move on to the offseason, folks. Time to see what Mark Pope and his staff can do with a full offseason to work with.
Box Score
Game MVP
This one could go a few different ways, but overall this game is even more of a blowout if Lamont Butler doesn’t take the court.
He finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
After barely playing in the first two matchups this season, Butler took on the difficult task of trying to beat this Tennessee defense. Despite the poor play on the offensive end from the rest of the team, Butler helped will the team to several chances to make a run. Unfortunately, it just never materialized.
Thanks for everything, Lamont.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee Twitter Reactions
Fans are ready pic.twitter.com/68kgjG8rh6
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) March 28, 2025
Team. pic.twitter.com/Q0aKPDJ71F
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) March 28, 2025
Otega Oweh with the BIG TIME beyond the arc block @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/rtSRymLBUC
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 28, 2025
Kentucky’s first shot defense has been really good. Gotta clean up the rebounds.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) March 28, 2025
This is that Tennessee defense folks have talked about all year. Right now, they’ve got Kentucky’s number.
— Lane Mills (@_lanemills) March 29, 2025
Tennessee playing at a whole different intensity level. Cats need to match it quickly…or else.
— John Huang (@KYHuangs) March 28, 2025
At the under-8:00 minute timeout Tennessee looks like the MUCH better team than Kentucky. Point blank. Period.
Kentucky is always one run away…and it’ll come a time or two…but right now it just isn’t looking good.
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) March 29, 2025
One team came in a lot more ready to play than the other.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) March 29, 2025
Coach Pope, I believe the Lord will understand if you gotta cuss these guys out at halftime.
— Big Blue Drew (@BigBlueDrew33) March 29, 2025
Collin Chandler becoming Stephen Curry once the calendar turned to March was not on my bingo card.
— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) March 29, 2025
If I’m Kentucky. I ask the selection committee. To put me as far away from Indy as possible.
— D9NSTY-UK (@scoutingU) March 29, 2025
I don’t understand how there can be so many instances of guys just watching loose balls in the Sweet 16.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) March 29, 2025
— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) March 29, 2025
I’ll always love this Kentucky team, every player from top to bottom. What a ride.
One night doesn’t erase a historic debut season for Mark Pope. Eight top-15 wins to tie an all-time college basketball record, first Sweet 16 since 2019.
Future is bright in Lexington.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) March 29, 2025
Thank you Ansley Almonor.
Thank you Koby Brea.
Thank you Lamont Butler.
Thank you Andrew Carr.
Thank you Jaxson Robinson.
Thank you Amari Williams.You all set the tone for the Coach Mark Pope era.
This was a GREAT start and it’ll only get better from here. I’m love this team.
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) March 29, 2025
Wow! Despite a disappointing loss against your rival in the sweet 16.
What a year for Mark Pope. A lot of huge wins and dealt with a lot of injuries.
Most importantly we all feel like a family again… #BBN pic.twitter.com/tog6WywFJJ
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) March 29, 2025
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