When it comes to storied rivalries in college basketball, few matchups carry the weight of Kentucky vs. Tennessee. The first game was played February 16th, 1910, a 25-6 Kentucky win. With over a century of head-to-head battles, iconic moments, and legendary performances, this rivalry has become a cornerstone of SEC basketball. Let’s dive into the history, all-time records, and standout players who’ve made this matchup unforgettable.
All-Time Records: Kentucky Dominates, but Tennessee Fights Back
The Wildcats hold the upper hand in the series, but the Volunteers have had their share of triumphs, particularly in recent decades. Here’s a snapshot of the all-time numbers courtesy of mcubed:
- Overall Record: Kentucky leads 161-78 (67.4% win rate)
- At Home: Kentucky dominates with a 95-20 record (82.6% win rate)
- On the Road: A much tighter race, Kentucky leads 59-53 (52.7% win rate)
Decade-by-Decade Breakdown
The rivalry has seen its fair share of momentum shifts, with each decade offering unique trends:
- 1910s: 11-8 (57.9%)
- 1920s: 9-8 (52.9%)
- 1930s: 18-5 (78.3%)
- 1940s: 18-6 (75%)
- 1950s: Kentucky’s best decade, with a staggering 95% win rate (19-1).
- 1960s: 13- 8 (61.9%)
- 1970s: A rare dip for the Wildcats, who went 10-11 (47.6%).
- 1980s: 12-8 (60%)
- 1990s: Kentucky regained dominance with a 16-5 record (76.2%).
- 2000s: 16-5 (76.2%) yet again.
- 2010s: 13-8 (61.9%)
- 2020s: So far, the rivalry has been competitive, with Kentucky holding a narrow 6-5 edge (54.5%).
Legendary Performances: All-Time Stat Leaders
Every great rivalry is defined by individual brilliance, and Kentucky vs. Tennessee is no exception. Here are some of the standout performances from the series via bigbluehistory:
Points
- Kentucky: Jodie Meeks dropped an incredible 54 points on January 13, 2009.
- Tennessee: Ernie Grunfeld scored 43 points on January 10, 1976.
Rebounds
- Kentucky: Mike Phillips pulled down 28 boards in a January 1976 game.
- Tennessee: Gene Tormohlen grabbed 20 rebounds multiple times in the 1950s.
Assists
- Kentucky: Ashton Hagans and Roger Harden each dished out 12 assists in pivotal games.
- Tennessee: Zakai Zeigler set a rivalry record with 13 assists on February 3, 2024.
Steals
- Kentucky: Jared Prickett recorded 7 steals in the Wildcats’ 1993 SEC Tournament win.
- Tennessee: Brandon Wharton tallied 5 steals on two separate occasions in the late 1990s.
Blocked Shots
- Kentucky: Anthony Davis swatted 7 shots in a dominant 2012 performance.
- Tennessee: Jonas Aidoo recorded 5 blocks in their March 2024 showdown.
Memorable Games in the Rivalry
1. January 13, 2009: Kentucky 90, Tennessee 72
Jodie Meeks delivered one of the most iconic individual performances in NCAA history, scoring 54 points and hitting 10 three-pointers.
2. March 12, 1993: Kentucky 101, Tennessee 40
The Wildcats set a rivalry record for their largest margin of victory, dominating the Volunteers in the SEC Tournament.
3. January 21, 1992: Tennessee 107, Kentucky 85
Tennessee’s Allan Houston scored 31 points, leading the Volunteers to a rare blowout win at Rupp Arena.
Who won the last matchup?
1 February 3, 2024: Tennessee 103, Kentucky 92
2 March 9, 2024: Kentucky 85, Tennessee 81
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
Kentucky vs. Tennessee isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about passion, tradition, and two fanbases who love their basketball. The matchups are often gritty, emotional, and filled with unforgettable moments.
As Kentucky continues to dominate the all-time series, Tennessee remains a formidable rival, proving that anything can happen when these two teams meet.
Final Thoughts
The Kentucky vs. Tennessee rivalry is a testament to what makes college basketball special. From historic performances to nail-biting finishes, it’s a series that never fails to deliver. With the SEC becoming increasingly competitive, expect this rivalry to only grow in intensity in the years to come.
Keep an eye on this page for updates, stats, and highlights as the Wildcats and Volunteers write the next chapter in their storied history.