Kansas State Defeats Kentucky, Advances To Sweet Sixteen

The Tennessee Volunteers are one of three remaining SEC teams in the NCAA Tournament after Kansas State defeated Kentucky.

Kentucky and Kansas State delivered a thriller in round two of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. Both sides traded blows during the second half; Kentucky went inside to big man Oscar Tshiebwe, while Kansas State went up-tempo and attacked from the outside.

Ultimately, Kansas State pulled away after a series of dominant defensive stops and some tough shot-making from their guards. Markquis Nowell led the way for Kansas State, delivering 27 points and nine assists on a huge stage.

Markquis Nowell, Kansas State G

There are now just three SEC teams left in the NCAA Tournament: Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas. The Razorbacks have had the most magical run thus far, defeating No. 1 seed Kansas on Saturday.

The Vols didn't have a perfect end to the season. They lost guard Zakai Zeigler to an ACL injury and struggled against Missouri in the SEC Tournament, but everything changes in March. All momentum, statistics, and history disappear on the biggest stage in college basketball.

Tennessee struggled with Kentucky this season, losing both contests to the Wildcats. Kentucky beat the Volunteers at critical portions in their season, which sent both sides in opposite directions. Tennessee doesn't have to worry about meeting them again this season and can focus on the task at hand.

The Vols will play the winner of No. 9 FAU and No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson. FAU delivered an exciting last-second win over Memphis in round one, while Fairleigh Dickinson made history. They became the second No. 16 seed ever to advance to the tournament's second round and look to go beyond that tonight.

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