Trey Wallace/FOX Sports Knoxville
It was a fight that the college basketball world was waiting for, and it definitely lived up to the hype. No. 8 Tennessee, down eight points with 2:58 remaining in the game, were able to pull off the comeback over No. 4 Kentucky and set themselves up for a championship game showdown with the Auburn Tigers on Sunday.
The Wildcats seemed to have Tennessee’s number with 10 minutes remaining in the second half, as Kyle Alexander picked up his fifth foul. Kentucky started hitting easy transition buckets and trying to bait Grant Williams into a fifth foul as well.
However, thanks to clutch plays from Williams & Schofield, the eventual game-winning shot from Lamonte Turner and multiple defensive stops, the Vols prevailed in Nashville 82-78.
Lamonte Turner with the biggest shot of his career @Vol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/gbeI51LAQm
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 16, 2019
Lamonte Turner on the comeback with under 3 minutes to play & playing for a Championship tomorrow @Vol_Hoops @FOXSportsKnox pic.twitter.com/SLJY1CbeuN
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 16, 2019
Admiral Schofield led Tennessee with 21 points & 5 assists, including the kickout to Lamonte Turner that led to the huge 3-pointer, which gave the Vols the 78-76 lead.
It was a big night for the other half of PB&J as well, Grant Williams finished with 20 points & 7 rebounds. During the last few minutes of the game, Grant Williams was able to force Kentucky into double-teaming him, leaving Admiral or Lamonte open to deliver the dagger.
Tennessee decided they did not want to head back east, without at least getting to play for a championship. On Sunday, they will have the opportunity to win the SEC tournament for the first time since 1979.
Admiral Schofield on the comeback & the goals for this team. @FOXSportsKnox @Vol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/pwzQ4F8R1h
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 16, 2019
Tennessee lost it’s chance at an SEC regular season title in Auburn, on Sunday they hope to pay the Tigers back in Nashville. The 2019 revenge tour has added an extra date & I imagine tickets will go fast for this added performance tomorrow.
