KNOXVILLE – As Kentucky’s fourth-ranked Wildcats ran onto the Thompson-Boling Arena court for their final warm-up before Tuesday night’s game against Tennessee, a chorus of boos blanketed the visitors as had not been heard inside the Boling Alley all season.
“I always feel a little extra excitement when Kentucky comes in here,” Bob Kesling, the radio voice of the Volunteers, said an hour from tipoff. “I think everybody does.”
Tennessee guard Robert Hubbs III (3) shoots over Kentucky guard De’Aaron Fox (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) A year ago that excitement and Big Orange passion had sparked the Vols to rally from a 21-point first-half hole to claim victory over Big Blue.
On Tuesday the Vols were at it again, whipping Kentucky 82-80 as the Cats once more struggled to guard Rick’s Runts.
“They did a great job of driving the ball,” said UK coach John Calipari. “And they made some tough, tough baskets. We weren’t one of those (great) teams tonight, and a lot of the credit for that goes to Tennessee.”