Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Benches Clear After Kentucky Upsets Tennessee On Saturday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 17, 2026 4:07 PM ET

We had fireworks in Knoxville after Kentucky knocked off No. 24 Tennessee this Saturday.

The Volunteers jumped out to a 42-31 halftime lead over the Wildcats this afternoon, and yet, that wasn't enough for them to secure the victory. Denzel Aberdeen and Otega Oweh stepped up late in the second half to help Kentucky grab its 12th win of the season.

Aberdeen led Kentucky in scoring with 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Mark Pope's bench also played a huge role in the victory, as Collin Chandler, Mouhamed Dioubate and Jasper Johnson combined for 34 points.

Tennessee had a chance to send this game into overtime but Carey's attempt at the horn was denied. Before the two sides could even shake hands, a brawl nearly broke out.

Kentucky guard Collin Chandler (5) knocks the ball away from Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026.© Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Although it's unclear what was said, Oweh had words for Carey after this game went final.

Both benches cleared after the final whistle was blown during today's SEC showdown. Pope sprinted down the court to make sure Kentucky's players didn't cross the line with their actions.

Check it out:

A brawl nearly breaks out after Kentucky comes all the way back to beat Tennessee in Knoxville.

Dan Shulman had the call for ESPN pic.twitter.com/ZEYvX3ZFWp
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 17, 2026

Kentucky's season is trending up.

With the win over Tennessee this weekend, Kentucky improved to 12-6 on the season. The Wildcats have won three games in a row after a rough start to January. Next up on the schedule is a showdown with Texas at Rupp Arena.

"I hope people aren't missing this," Pope said. "I hope they're not missing what this group is going through and what this group is trying to endure. ... It's fun to watch these guys grow, man. It's inspiring."

On Feb. 7, Tennessee will travel to Lexington to take on Kentucky. Hopefully, there aren't any altercations during that rematch.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: