Kyle Wiltjer – photo by Julie Bennett | AP Photo/Al.com
Trae Golden had 24 points and eight assists Saturday as Tennessee rolled to an 88-58 victory over No. 25 Kentucky, giving the Volunteers their most lopsided win in the 216-game history of this series. Kentucky (17-8, 8-4 Southeastern Conference) was playing its first game without star center Nerlens Noel, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Tuesday during a loss to No. 7 Florida.
The Wildcats looked like a completely different team without him.
Jordan McRae scored 15 points and Kenny Hall had 12 points as Tennessee (14-10, 6-6) shot 58 percent and won its third straight game. Jarnell Stokes had nine points and nine rebounds, ending his string of six consecutive double-doubles.
Kyle Wiltjer scored 18 points, Julius Mays had 12 points and Jarrod Polson had a career-high 11 for Kentucky. Willie Cauley-Stein, Alex Poythress and Ryan Harrow all fouled out.
