The Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats will clash in the Sweet 16 on March 28 in Indianapolis. It is the third time this season the two teams will play each other. Let’s dive into this exciting matchup and what it means for both teams.
Tennessee and Kentucky’s Sweet 16 Matchup is the Biggest in the Rivalry’s History
Kentucky is 2-0 Against Tennessee this Season
The two teams first met this season on January 25 in Knoxville. Kentucky defeated the Vols 78-73 as Koby Brea led the way for the Wildcats with 18 points, he shot a perfect 5-5 from the floor and was 5-7 at the free-throw line.
Then, the two rivals met again at Rupp Arena in Lexington on February 11. The Wildcats also won this matchup as they defeated Tennessee 75-64. Brea was a big factor again with 11 points, but he also had some help. Ansley Almonor and Otega Oweh both scored 13 points each. Kentucky shot 50% from the floor as a team. These two wins in the 2024-25 college basketball season have resulted in a three-game win streak for Kentucky against Tennessee.
Tennessee and Kentucky Have History in the SEC Tournament
The unique storyline of this meeting is that this is the first time these two teams have met in the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee and Kentucky have had postseason matchups in the past when they have played in the SEC Tournament.
The most recent of these matchups came in 2022 when Tennessee defeated Kentucky 69-62 in the semifinal round of the SEC Tournament. The Vols would go on to win that tournament. They also have wins in the SEC Tournament against Kentucky in 2019 and 1979. On the contrary, Kentucky defeated Tennessee in the SEC Tournament in Atlanta in 2018 and 2010.
What Winning this Game Would Mean for Each Team?
A win in this game would go a long way for both programs. For Tennessee, head coach Rick Barnes has entered the twilight of his career. An NCAA Tournament win over the Volunteers’ top rival would be the biggest win in the program’s history. It would also lead to his second Elite Eight appearance in his tenure with Tennessee and the third appearance for the Vols in their history.
For Kentucky, three wins in one season over Tennessee would hold heavy implications for head coach Mark Pope in his first season in Lexington. An NCAA Tournament win over their top rival would show just how successful this new era of Wildcat basketball can be.
All of these storylines within Friday’s matchup make the Sweet 16 game between Tennessee and Kentucky possibly the biggest game this weekend. It certainly is the biggest game in the history of this great college basketball rivalry that dates back to 1910. As of now, the Wildcats lead the all-time series 163-78.
Where to Watch
Tennessee and Kentucky’s Sweet 16 game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is scheduled for a tip-off at 7:39 p.m. EST. The game can be watched on TBS and TruTV. The winner of this matchup will face the winner between the Houston Cougars and Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite Eight.
Photo credit: © Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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