How It Works
Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers — January 17, 2026
80–78
About This Game
Tennessee's physical dominance looked overwhelming early. The Volunteers controlled the glass with 20 first-half rebounds, got to the free throw line frequently, and built a 17-point cushion with Ja'Kobi Gillespie's 14 first-half points. Everything pointed to a home victory for No. 24.
Then Denzel Aberdeen arrived for the second half. The Kentucky guard exploded for 18 points after halftime, sparking an improbable Wildcat comeback from the brink of defeat. While Tennessee continued attacking the boards—finishing with 43 rebounds to Kentucky's 33—the visitors' balanced scoring and superior three-point shooting (11 makes vs. Tennessee's 8) proved decisive. Kentucky's efficiency at distance gradually suffocated the Volunteers' physical style down the stretch.
The final 2.6 seconds told the story: Tennessee down two, a missed intentional free throw, a stuffed final shot—and Kentucky escaping with an 80-78 upset. This thrilling reversal is now preserved forever as a Gameprint, capturing every play of one of the season's most dramatic comebacks.
Game highlights: Kentucky's 11 three-pointers vs Tennessee's 8, Denzel Aberdeen's 18 second-half points, Tennessee's 43-33 rebounding advantage, Kentucky's comeback from 17-point deficit, dramatic final 2.6 seconds with missed free throw and stuffed shot
Summary written with AI from the official play-by-play.
A Gift for Every Game
The best gifts for college basketball fans aren’t generic team merch — they’re personal. A Gameprint of Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers captures a specific game that means something: a rivalry win, a season to remember, a night at the arena. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
Were you there? If you or a friend went to this game, a Gameprint turns that memory into a lasting keepsake — the exact game you watched live, every play on your wall. There’s a gift for every game you’ve ever been to.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kentucky Wildcats play Tennessee Volunteers?
Kentucky Wildcats played Tennessee Volunteers on January 17, 2026 at Food City Center.
What was the final score of Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers?
The final score was Kentucky Wildcats 80, Tennessee Volunteers 78.
What does the Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers Gameprint show?
Every possession — made shots, threes, free throws, misses and turnovers — from the official play-by-play of this game, laid out in order from tip-off to the final whistle, in your choice of team colors.
Is this a good gift for a Kentucky Wildcats or Tennessee Volunteers fan?
Yes — a Gameprint of Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers is a one-of-a-kind gift. Unlike generic team merchandise, it captures a specific game they actually care about. Popular for birthdays, graduations, Father’s Day, and holiday gifts.
Can I gift this to someone who was at the game?
Absolutely. If a friend or family member attended Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers, a Gameprint turns that memory into wall art — the actual plays from the game they watched live. Customize the colors to make it personal.
Sizes, framing, shipping and color options: see the Gameprints FAQ.
Kentucky vs Tennessee in numbers
- 1 lead change
- 17-point largest lead (Tennessee)
- 11–0 run, the longest of the game (Tennessee)
- 19 made threes (Kentucky 11, Tennessee 8)
- 33 made free throws (Kentucky 13, Tennessee 20)
Kentucky came back from 17 points down to win 80–78.
Counted from the play-by-play behind this print — every possession on the poster is one of these plays.
