Kentucky basketball fans had plenty to celebrate after the Wildcats pulled off a gritty 78-73 road win over Tennessee. It was a game full of momentum swings, clutch shots, and key contributions from up and down the roster.
Transition 3 is 🔥🔥🔥 from @Robinsonjaxx.
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 29, 2025
📺 - ESPN pic.twitter.com/PK80aTgPG2
With Lamont Butler out and Andrew Carr logging just over a minute, Kentucky needed every single player to step up—and they did. From Trent Noah’s massive 3 to Amari Williams’ dominance in the paint, the Wildcats proved they can win tough SEC battles.
The sound of the swish 🤌
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 29, 2025
📺 - ESPN pic.twitter.com/HVOZnzcmG0
As expected, Big Blue Nation flooded social media with reactions, clips, and celebrations after the final buzzer.
Kentucky’s Key Performances in a Thriller
Trent Noah’s Five Points Were the Difference
Trent Noah didn’t put up massive numbers, but his impact was undeniable. He delivered:
- A huge three-pointer to stop a Tennessee run.
- A calm, composed layup in crunch time off a broken play.
TRENT NOAH SHOOTS IT FROM HARLAN! pic.twitter.com/V9Cqj1zacZ
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) January 29, 2025
Those five points proved to be the exact margin of victory. In a game this tight, every basket mattered, and Noah’s confidence was crucial.
Amari Williams’ Physicality Stands Out
Going against a rugged Tennessee frontcourt, Amari Williams looked dominant at times. His presence in the paint and rebounding ability were essential in keeping Kentucky in control.
Williams’ final stat line:
- 10 points (3-5 FG, 4-6 FT)
- 15 rebounds (2 offensive, 13 defensive)
- 4 assists
- Solid interior defense
Williams made sure Tennessee couldn’t get easy second-chance points despite their 19 offensive rebounds.
Ansley Almonor’s First-Half Shooting Kept Kentucky Afloat
Ansley Almonor was dialed in early, knocking down clutch shots when Kentucky needed them most.
- 12 points
- 4-7 from three-point range
- Three assists
With Tennessee keying in on Jaxson Robinson and Koby Brea, Almonor’s early three-point shooting helped Kentucky build momentum.
Otega Oweh Stays Hot – Double Figures Again
OTEGA OWEH TO THE RIM 🚀
— ESPN (@espn) January 29, 2025
He was okay after the fall. pic.twitter.com/NwsBtAENRK
It’s becoming a nightly occurrence—Otega Oweh finishing in double figures.
- 14 points (4-11 FG, 6-9 FT)
- 6 rebounds
- Strong defensive effort
Oweh has now scored double digits in every game this season, continuing to be a consistent weapon for Kentucky.
Kentucky Fans Take Over Social Media
Lamont Butler is out
— BigBlueFlavaFlav🇺🇸 (@KentuckyHypeMan) January 29, 2025
Who's gonna play point guard?
Amari Williams, that's who!#BBN pic.twitter.com/Cpa9Ve68ep
Once again, Kentucky records one of the best wins of the college basketball season.
— Alex Weber (@alexhweber) January 29, 2025
On the road without basically 2 starters and 0 point guards. Nasty work.
Tennessee basketball fans seeing Kentucky kick their ass in Knoxville! #Vols #RockyFlop #BBN #GoBigBlue #GBO https://t.co/FrouiROoge
— JP (@JPKENTUCKY) January 29, 2025
We have to lead the country in banked in threes against us
— Kentucky Basketball T-Shirt w\ Opinions (@retiredbenny24) January 29, 2025
First off… I am ok.
— Barstool Kentucky (@BarstoolUK) January 29, 2025
My house was vandalized by bricks in Knoxville 🧱
After my hands stopped shaking, I managed to call the Sheriff…They were quick to respond
My window was gone and the police asked if I knew who did it
I said yes, it was Tennessee Basketball
Another trip to Knoxville for a basketball game where Kentucky is heavy underdogs.
— Steven Peake (@StevenPeakeKSR) January 29, 2025
Another win. pic.twitter.com/kTV6GcNr1M
Kentucky fans: “Just wait until basketball season”
— Kentucky Stan (@kentuckycatz) January 29, 2025
Tennessee Fans: https://t.co/lYoJLEKo9r pic.twitter.com/RJA3qecv8J
Tennessee never lead once in that basketball game. Coach Barnes simply got out coached by Coach Pope.
— NewYorkWill (@WillLeechow826) January 29, 2025
Coach Cal would have lost that game if he was still coaching Kentucky.
REVEAL THEM https://t.co/majZ19Rv0v
— Kentucky Basketball T-Shirt w\ Opinions (@retiredbenny24) January 29, 2025
Hahahaha it was Auburn that beat them. We were missing two starters and our backup point guard and won in Knoxville and he still can’t give us credit. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/WoOKW8dk8H
— Kentucky Basketball T-Shirt w\ Opinions (@retiredbenny24) January 29, 2025
Help this poor Tennessee fan
It is what it is.
— ZehDuck (@ZehDuck) January 29, 2025
We are an average to slightly above average basketball team.
Losing to a bad Kentucky team sucks, but just move on. Need a good draw in March.
Tennessee 11-45 from 3
— cre8flow.the (@cre8flow) January 29, 2025
Ky
12-24 from 3 and win despite 8 more turnovers than tenn
Tenn had 18 offensive rebounds
5-star Nate Ament at the Tennessee vs. Kentucky game.
— Rocky Top Now (@rockytopnow) January 28, 2025
No. 4 prospect in the 2025 class.
via @ByMikeWilson pic.twitter.com/cbQBFzfxqB
Five players finish in double figures for Kentucky with Lamont Butler out and Andrew Carr essentially out
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) January 29, 2025
Koby Brea - 18 PTS, 5-5 FG
Jaxson Robinson - 17 PTS, 4-9 3PT
Otega Oweh - 14 PTS
Ansley Almonor - 12 PTS, 4-7 3PT
Amari Williams - 10 PTS, 15 REB
50% FG, 50% 3PT
Final Thoughts – A Team Win in Every Sense
Mark Pope’s squad needed every contribution to survive in Knoxville. With key players missing, others stepped up and delivered.
- Noah’s five points were the margin of victory.
- Williams controlled the boards.
- Almonor hit huge first-half shots.
- Oweh remained a reliable scorer.
The Wildcats earned this win, and Big Blue Nation let the world know about it.
Kentucky now looks ahead to a returning John Calipari as Arkansas comes to town.