No. 15 Kentucky closed out the regular season with a thrilling 85-81 victory over No. 4 Tennessee on Saturday, with a game-saving free throw from Rob Dillingham. The win puts Kentucky (23-8, 13-5) on a path to potentially face the SEC regular-season champion for the third time this season at the conference tournament. Despite a career high of 40 points from SEC Player of the Year favorite Dalton Knecht, Tennessee (24-7, 14-4) fell to the Wildcats in a close game.
Reed Sheppard and Antonio Reeves led Kentucky with 27 points each, with Sheppard impressing from beyond the arc. The win over Tennessee has added to the buzz around Kentucky’s potential in the NCAA Tournament, with the team’s mix of star freshmen and experienced players making them a dangerous draw for any opponent. As a projected No. 5 seed, Kentucky’s tournament fate remains uncertain, but they have shown the potential to make a deep run.
For Tennessee, the loss may impact their seeding, but they still have a strong case for a No. 1 seed. With the SEC Tournament ahead, they have the chance to bounce back and solidify their position. Other teams like Arizona and North Carolina are also in contention for a top seed, making the final stretch of the season crucial for seeding considerations. The upcoming conference tournaments will be key in determining the final bracket for March Madness.
Source
Photo credit www.cbssports.com