Sports

Golden scores 24 points as Tennessee rolls to 88-58 victory over No. 25 Kentucky

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Tennessee forward Jarnell Stokes, right, dives for the ball as he battles with Kentucky guard Jarrod Polson, center, and forward Kenny Hall (20) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (The Associated Press)

Tennessee guard Trae Golden (11) reacts to a shot in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (The Associated Press)

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.