The Tennessee men’s basketball team had to overcome a halftime deficit, early foul trouble and some lackluster play to notch a key road Southeastern Conference victory Saturday night.
The No. 11 Volunteers were in an uphill battle, but came from behind to knock off Kentucky 82-71 at Rupp Arena.
The win marks the third win for UT head coach Rick Barnes in the Bluegrass State. The win makes him the only head coach to guide the Big Orange (13-4, 6-4 SEC) to three wins at Rupp Arena.
The Vols had a 32-30 advantage over the Wildcats (5-12, 4-6) only to see Kentucky storm back and close the first half on a 12-2 run and take a 42-34 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Kentucky led 64-62 with 7 minutes, 25 seconds remaining in the contest before Tennessee flourished and closed the contest with a 20-7 surge.
In the first half, the Vols were saddled with foul trouble as six UT players had two at the break.
John Fulkerson played most of the game in foul trouble and was held scoreless.
Tennessee’s freshman duo of Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer took control of the game.
Johnson scored 27 points and Springer finished with 23, five rebounds and three blocks.
Josiah-Jordan James had a double-double for the Vols as he scored 10 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.