Tennessee took an early lead and never looked back on the way to a 78-65 win over Kentucky in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament Friday night in Indianapolis.
Zakai Zeigler led the Volunteers (30-7) with 18 points and 10 assists. Chaz Lanier added 17 and Jordan Gainey chipped in 16.
Lamont Butler finished up his Kentucky career with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Amari Williams scored 14 points. Otega Oweh added 13.
Mark Pope consoling Lamont Butler postgame. pic.twitter.com/NPFqmJ2Y5V
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) March 29, 2025
The Wildcats (24-12) couldn’t get anything going against a physical Tennessee defense. The Volunteers controlled the boards 34-24, including 14 offensive rebounds.
Kentucky only managed to shoot 6-for-15 from the three-point line.
Tennessee heads into the Elite Eight for a Sunday game against either Houston or Purdue.
