KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Denzel Aberdeen scored 22 points as Kentucky erased an 11-point halftime deficit to edge Tennessee 80-78 in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Volunteers led 42-31 at halftime behind Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s 24 points. Kentucky opened the second half on a 20-6 run to seize control. Tennessee had a chance to tie in the final seconds, but Gillespie made only one of two free throws with 2 seconds left.

Gillespie finished with 24 points and eight assists for Tennessee. Nate Ament added 17 points for the Volunteers. Kentucky improved to 12-6 overall, while Tennessee fell to 12-5. An announced crowd of 21,678 attended.