Kentucky Wildcats Edge Tennessee Volunteers in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Food City Center
Kentucky Wildcats 80, Tennessee Volunteers 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Kentucky Wildcats beat Tennessee Volunteers 80-78 at Food City Center on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Kentucky Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Kentucky Wildcats narrowly defeated the Tennessee Volunteers with a final score of 80-78 at the Food City Center on January 17, 2026. This victory marks a significant achievement for Kentucky, as they have now won all three encounters against Tennessee in their recent history. Both teams entered the game with identical records of 12-6, making this clash particularly crucial in the context of their respective seasons.
The Volunteers, who had a home record of 12-6, were looking to build on their recent performance, which saw them split their last ten games with a record of 5-5. They had just come off a win against Texas A&M, scoring 87 points while allowing 82. On average, Tennessee scored 79.4 points per game while allowing 71.6 in their last ten outings. Their home performance had been strong, with a 5-2 record, but they were struggling on the road, having lost all three away games in that stretch.
In contrast, the Wildcats were on a two-game winning streak, having won six of their last ten games. Their recent victory against LSU, where they won 75-74, showcased their resilience. Kentucky's scoring average in their last ten games was 78.4, with an average of 74.3 points allowed. They had a balanced home and away record, with 5-3 at home and 1-1 away, indicating their capability to perform in various settings.
The matchup also featured a significant betting line from DraftKings, which had Tennessee favored by 6.5 points. The total points line was set at 145.5, with the over at -105 and the under at -115. Tennessee's moneyline was listed at -270, while Kentucky's was at 220, reflecting the market's perception of the game.
As the game progressed, the tension built, with both teams exchanging leads. Notable scoring plays in the second half included critical free throws from Ja'Kobi Gillespie and a series of layups from Denzel Aberdeen and Otega Oweh, which ultimately propelled Kentucky to their victory. The final moments were particularly intense, with Kentucky managing to secure the lead and hold on until the final buzzer.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences affecting either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. The conditions inside the Food City Center were conducive to a high-energy game, with both teams supported by passionate fan bases.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination, with key players stepping up in crucial moments. Kentucky's ability to execute under pressure was on full display, and their victory not only improved their standing but also added to the storied rivalry between these two programs.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -6.5 | 145.5 o -105 / u -115 | Kentucky Wildcats +220 · Tennessee Volunteers -270 |
Leaders
- PointsJa'Kobi Gillespie24Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJa'Kobi Gillespie8Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsJaylen Carey7Tennessee Volunteers
- PointsDenzel Aberdeen22Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsJasper Johnson4Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsMouhamed Dioubate6Kentucky Wildcats
Recent form
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W179.4 scored · 71.6 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W87-82vs Texas A&M AggiesJan 14
- L67-91at Florida GatorsJan 10
- W85-71vs Texas LonghornsJan 7
- L75-86at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 3
- W105-54vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 31
- W94-52vs Gardner-Webb Runnin' BulldogsDec 21
- W83-62vs Louisville CardinalsDec 17
- L62-75vs Illinois Fighting IlliniDec 7
- L60-62at Syracuse OrangeDec 3
- L76-81vs Kansas JayhawksNov 27
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W278.4 scored · 74.3 allowed per game1-1 away
- W75-74at LSU TigersJan 15
- W92-68vs Mississippi State BulldogsJan 11
- L68-73vs Missouri TigersJan 8
- L74-89at Alabama Crimson TideJan 3
- W99-85vs Bellarmine KnightsDec 23
- W78-66vs St. John's Red StormDec 20
- W72-60vs Indiana HoosiersDec 14
- W103-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 10
- L59-94vs Gonzaga BulldogsDec 6
- L64-67vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 3
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Kentucky Wildcats | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-59 | 25-53 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 11-24 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 42 |
| Free throws | 13-21 | 20-29 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 20 |
| Assists | 14 | 18 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 6 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 30 |
| Fouls | 22 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 17 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 1 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-48Mouhamed Dioubate makes layup
- 2nd Half42-50DeWayne Brown II makes layup (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half44-50Brandon Garrison makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half44-53Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 26-foot three point jumper (DeWayne Brown II assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-53Mouhamed Dioubate makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half48-55Nate Ament makes 20-foot jumper (Jaylen Carey assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Collin Chandler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Malachi Moreno assists)
- 2nd Half51-58Nate Ament makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Denzel Aberdeen makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jasper Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half54-60Amari Evans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-61Amari Evans makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-61Collin Chandler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half57-62Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-63Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-63Denzel Aberdeen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-65Amari Evans makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-65Otega Oweh makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jasper Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half62-67Felix Okpara makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half64-67Malachi Moreno makes layup (Jasper Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half65-67Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-69Nate Ament makes layup (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half65-70Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-70Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-71Nate Ament makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Nate Ament makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Denzel Aberdeen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-74Jaylen Carey makes layup (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half69-75Bishop Boswell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Otega Oweh makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half71-76Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Denzel Aberdeen makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half75-76Mouhamed Dioubate makes 8-foot jumper (Collin Chandler assists)
- 2nd Half75-77Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-77Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-77Otega Oweh makes layup (Collin Chandler assists)
- 2nd Half80-77Denzel Aberdeen makes layup
- 2nd Half80-78Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Tennessee Volunteers, below favours Kentucky Wildcats.
Venue
- Food City CenterKnoxville, TN
- Attendance21678
- OfficialsDon Daily, Vladimir Voyard-Tadal, Owen Shortt
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond