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Kentucky blows out no. 19 Tennessee in Knoxville

The Wildcats used a strong first half to upset the Vols.
Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Isaiah Jackson (23) dunks the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Kentucky Wildcats have had a rough season. They came into Saturday's game against Tennessee with only seven wins. However, they left Thompson-Boling winners, after blowing out the 19th-ranked Vols, 70-55. The victory splits the regular series between the programs. 

Tennessee's record drops to 15-6 (8-6 SEC).

The Wildcats offense was on fire in the first half, shooting over 60 percent. They used a 15-0 run to take a commanding lead, midway through the period. Senior Devion Mintz knocked down all five of his three-point attempts to score 15 points. Tennessee, however, shot less than 37 percent from the floor and turned the ball over eight times. Kentucky took a 45-30 lead into halftime. 

Neither team shot well in the second half. Tennessee shot 27 percent and Kentucky shot 21 percent. Despite the poor shooting, the Wildcats held a double-digit lead for the entire period. They led by 20-plus on five occasions. The Vols could never get a true rally going. 

Tennessee plays rival Vanderbilt on Feb. 24 in Nashville. 

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