Tuesday’s game marks the 240th meeting all-time between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers. But one of the oldest college basketball rivalries enters a new era as first-year Kentucky head coach Mark Pope makes his first trip down to Knoxville as the Wildcats’ coach.
The No. 12 Wildcats (14-5, 3-3) come into Knoxville looking to right the ship after consecutive losses to No. 4 Alabama and No. 24 Vanderbilt. Kentucky has struggled on the road this season, going 1-3 in true away games. The Wildcats face a tough task against a Tennessee squad that has been excellent on Rocky Top.
The No. 8 Volunteers (17-3, 4-3) look to remain perfect at home this season after starting 11-0 in Thompson-Boling Arena. Tuesday marks the beginning of a three-game homestand for Tennessee, including back-to-back AP top-15 matchups against Kentucky and Florida.
Tennessee is coming off of a nail-biting 51-53 loss at No. 1 Auburn in which the Volunteers held the Tigers’ high-powered offense to season lows in points, field-goal percentage and 3-point percentage. The Volunteer defense will face another tough task against Kentucky’s explosive offense, which is averaging 88.1 points/game this season.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. EST. Watch live on ESPN, and follow our live blog here during the game.
Which NCAA men's teams to watch on the bubble before March MadnessUSAT's Jordan Mendoza gives his teams to keep an eye on for 'bubble watch' as March Madness se
The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats play against the No. 15 Missouri Tigers in an SEC basketball game today. The matchup will begin at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can wat
The No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (20-10) and the No. 15 Missouri Tigers (21-9) match up in
Which NCAA men's teams to watch on the bubble before March MadnessUSAT's Jordan Mendoza gives his teams to keep an eye on for 'bubble watch' as March Madness se