Mark Pope's Kentucky team made the trip to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in a game no one thought the shorthanded Wildcats would win. Despite this, without Lamont Butler and Andrew Carr,

Five things you need to know from No. 12 Kentucky’s gut-check 78-73 win at No. 8 Tennessee in SEC men’s basketball: 1. Mark Pope, slayer of rivals. There is a school of thought that one of a college head coach’s primary jobs is beating the teams his/her fan base dislike the most.

Heading into the matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers, not many believed Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats would win without point guard Lamont Butler. Andrew Car

Vols senior point guard Zakai Zeigler, who injured his right knee late in the first half, returned to action and scored 13 points but was only 1-of-10 from 3-point range. Igor Milicic led Tennessee with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Lanier had 15 points and was 3-of-10 on 3-point tries.

There were many who thought Kentucky did not have a prayer at Tennessee Tuesday night. And by many, I mean, me. And sure, there were others.

Kentucky and Tennessee traded blows for the full 40 minutes in Knoxville. Ultimately, No. 11 Kentucky prevailed over the No. 8 Vols, 78-73.

The Kentucky basketball team got a massive win over No. 8 Tennessee, 78-73, on Tuesday in Knoxville. It was a tough road atmosphere, but the Wildcats managed to survive with another statement win and their 15th victory of the season.

Despite the comeback, things aren't all looking up for Rick Barnes and the Volunteers. Near the end of the first half, star guard Zakai Zeigler came up limping after suffering an apparent knee injury and immediately hobbled off the floor.

Kentucky's Ansley Almonor and Koby Brea, forced into the starting lineup because of key injuries, helped lead the Cats past host Tennessee on Tuesday.

January 29 (Wednesday) UTC at Western Carolina, 7 p.m. January 30 (Thursday) UTC Women at Wofford, 7 p.m. ESPN+ February 1 (Saturday) Vols vs. Florida, 12 p.m. ESPN UTC vs. ... more

Nearly every team has a pre-game ritual and the routine rarely changes regardless of the venue, whether it’s at home or away.