Kentucky’s comeback victory over Tennessee landed in the middle of a packed Saturday of college basketball drama, but it still managed to turn plenty of heads across the sport. While North Carolina’s late heroics against Duke grabbed national headlines, the Wildcats’ rally at Rupp Arena quietly reinforced a growing belief: Mark Pope has this team trending fast in the right direction.
From analysts to national insiders, the message was consistent — Kentucky is no longer the team everyone dismissed back in December.
CBS Sports: A Season Defined by Momentum Swings
Just weeks ago, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander labeled Kentucky one of the biggest disappointments in the country. Fast forward to now, and the tone has flipped completely.
After the win over Tennessee, Norlander pointed to the Wildcats’ 8–1 stretch over their last nine games, noting their 17–7 record mirrors last season’s mark at the same point. He also highlighted a milestone that didn’t go unnoticed: Kentucky has now swept Tennessee in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2012 — a résumé boost that likely sends the Cats into the Top 25.
In CBS’s weekly “Winners and Losers” column, Kentucky landed firmly on the right side of the ledger.
Isaac Trotter emphasized the grit behind the win, pointing to Kentucky’s 14-point comeback and a defensive lockdown after halftime. The Wildcats held Tennessee to just six made field goals in the second half, while Collin Chandler drilled three massive three-pointers — including the game-winner in the final minute. Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen led the charge offensively, combining for 37 points and outdueling Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who finished with a game-high 29.
Gary Parrish summed it up simply: Kentucky’s story this season has taken a dramatic turn. Despite being shorthanded, the Wildcats keep winning — and the product on the floor is starting to match the program’s reputation.
Captain Clutch Strikes Again
Collin Chandler’s late-game heroics once again stole the spotlight.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello highlighted Kentucky’s defensive transformation after halftime, noting how the Wildcats erased a 14-point deficit by controlling the paint, attacking the rim, and eventually sealing the game with Chandler’s go-ahead three.
When Kentucky needed a calm hand and a fearless shot, Chandler delivered — again.
Two Comebacks, One Clear Identity
This wasn’t an isolated moment. Kentucky has now pulled off two remarkable comeback wins against Tennessee this season, and the pattern is becoming clear. This team may not have the same depth or star power it once did, but it has found something just as valuable — belief.
National analyst Jon Rothstein echoed that sentiment, pointing out how Pope has rallied a depletedocation roster and pushed it squarely toward the NCAA Tournament picture.
Why Kentucky Is Suddenly a Real SEC Threat
The Wildcats look nothing like the version that struggled through non-conference play.
On The Field of 68 After Dark, ESPN’s Dalen Cuff credited Mark Pope for the turnaround, praising his accountability and ability to define roles. According to Cuff, Kentucky’s early-season problems weren’t schematic — they were about effort. That’s no longer an issue.
Rob Dauster took the idea a step further. While stopping short of predicting it, he acknowledged Kentucky has positioned itself to contend for an SEC title. If the Wildcats can keep winning road games and find themselves atop the conference standings deep into February, the conversation changes fast — both for the SEC race and the postseason.
