Five things you need to know from No. 12 Kentucky’s gut-check 78-73 win at No. 8 Tennessee in SEC men’s basketball: 1. Mark Pope, slayer of rivals. There is a school of thought that one of a college head coach’s primary jobs is beating the teams his/her fan base dislike the most.

Predictions, picks and odds as No. 8 Tennessee basketball faces No. 12 Kentucky. Plus, injury updates and the latest news

Heading into the matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers, not many believed Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats would win without point guard Lamont Butler. Andrew Car

Vols senior point guard Zakai Zeigler, who injured his right knee late in the first half, returned to action and scored 13 points but was only 1-of-10 from 3-point range. Igor Milicic led Tennessee with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Lanier had 15 points and was 3-of-10 on 3-point tries.

Kentucky got off to a very good start in this game, jumping out to an early lead and stunning the Tennessee crowd. However, the momentum didn't last long for the Wildcats as Tennessee quickly climbed back into the game and took a 33-30 lead at the half.

Kentucky and Tennessee traded blows for the full 40 minutes in Knoxville. Ultimately, No. 11 Kentucky prevailed over the No. 8 Vols, 78-73.

The first meeting between the rivals is in Knoxville. No. 8 Tennessee (17-3, 4-3 SEC) welcomes No. 12 Kentucky (14-5, 3-3) and first-year coach Mark Pope, a former Kentucky forward, on Tuesday (7 ...

The SEC standings look slightly different after Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats marched into Knoxville and beat the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Kentucky basketball team got a massive win over No. 8 Tennessee, 78-73, on Tuesday in Knoxville. It was a tough road atmosphere, but the Wildcats managed to survive with another statement win and their 15th victory of the season.

There were many who thought Kentucky did not have a prayer at Tennessee Tuesday night. And by many, I mean, me. And sure, there were others.

Kentucky's Ansley Almonor and Koby Brea, forced into the starting lineup because of key injuries, helped lead the Cats past host Tennessee on Tuesday.