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.
Boo, or cheer when John Calipari’s name is announced when Arkansas comes to Rupp Arena? That’s the question making its way around the Big Blue Nation.
Kentucky basketball: Mark Pope on team's faith after win over TennesseeKentucky basketball coach Mark Pope discusses the team's prayer before the game against T
Kentucky basketball: Mark Pope on team's faith after win over TennesseeKentucky basketball coach Mark Pope discusses the team's prayer before the game against T
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Koby Brea scored 18 points to lead No. 12 Kentucky to a 78-73 victory over No. 8 Tennessee on Tuesday night. What You Need To Know No. 1