Tennessee dominates Kentucky to advance to Elite Eight

The Vols get the one that counts.

They say it’s hard to beat a team three times in a single season — that held true tonight in Indianapolis. Tennessee, 0-2 against Kentucky on the year, controlled this one from the very opening tip.

Zakai Zeigler gave Tennessee the first separation of either side early on, drilling the Vols’ first three of the game from the corner. Tennessee was capitalizing early with a big advantage on the boards and a defense that appeared locked in.

Jordan Gainey and Darlinstone Dubar hit three-pointers of their own, while Felix Okpara worked hard underneath for a few tough rebounds and buckets.

The Volunteers worked out to a 19-9 lead, and they kept the pressure on. Tennessee’s defense was the difference early on, forcing four quick turnovers from Kentucky. The work on the boards kept up too, with the Vols holding a 13-6 advantage midway through the first half.

Kentucky was getting nothing easy on the offensive end, but Tennessee was getting whatever they wanted. Zeigler, Dubar and Phillips all answered a small burst from Kentucky’s Amari Williams. The Volunteers were getting in the paint with ease and forcing their way to the free throw stripe.

Tennessee built a 35-20 lead with 4:38 left in the half. It would grow to as many as 19 points.

Otega Oweh and Collin Chandler hit two very big contested three-pointers to end the half on a high note for Kentucky, cutting the lead back down to 15.

Kentucky opened the second half with a shot of energy to cut it back to 12, but tough buckets from Milicic and Gainey silenced that budding run. The Wildcats had a couple of good looks from long range, but couldn’t get any to fall — a large difference from both regular season meetings.

Both sides traded buckets over the next several minutes. Kentucky appeared to have life at a couple of moments, but a couple of back-breaking Tennessee rebounds kept their double-digit lead in tact.

Tennessee held a 55-42 lead going into the under-12 break. Chaz Lanier hit a deep, contested three out of the break to extend that lead. Zeigler would follow with another dagger.

Very quickly, the Tennessee lead pushed out to 65-48 with 8:26 to play. The Vols would remain in total control down the stretch.

Tennessee moves to their second straight Elite Eight, winning 78-56.

Smothering defense, a rebounding win by ten and 12 forced turnovers powered the victory for Tennessee. Zeigler led the way with 18 points, followed by Lanier with 17 and Gainey with 16. Okpara’s 11 rebounds — seven of which on the offensive end — were huge.

The Volunteers will now await the winner of Purdue-Houston. That game will take place on Sunday in Indianapolis.