Coming off a huge win over the Florida Gators, Tennessee basketball is back on the road at the Kentucky Wildcats. Here is our preview for the Volunteers.
Hanging by a thread in the NCAA Tournament conversation, Tennessee basketball begins its final week of the regular season with a couple of quality opponents and a really good chance to boost its resume. The Vols start things off against the hated Kentucky Wildcats.
After losing to them at home without Josiah-Jordan James earlier this year, UT travels to Rupp Arena to face John Calipari’s team. Before that loss, Rick Barnes’ program had won four of its previous six against UK.
Now, at 16-13 and 8-8 in the SEC, Rocky Top will try to score what would easily be its biggest win of the year. It’s one that could reshape March Madness talk. Here is everything you need to know about Tennessee basketball’s Tuesday night matchup.
Tennessee Volunteers at No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats
When: Tuesday, March 3 at 9 p.m. ET
Where: Rupp Arena; Lexington, Ky.
TV: ESPN
Live stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Vol Network; UK Sports Network
Listen online: UTSports; UKAthletics.com
While the Vols are just trying to get something going, Kentucky heads into this game on a roll. At 24-5 and 14-2 in the SEC, they have won their last eight games, most recently getting revenge on the Auburn Tigers, who were the last team to beat them.
After Kentucky, the Vols will have their own rematch with Auburn, who has owned them recently under Bruce Pearl, including a win earlier this year, two wins last year and a win in Knoxville the year before. However, this game will be back in Knoxville, and Tennessee basketball is desperately looking for another quality win.
Before that, though, the Vols have to somehow figure out a way to get past Kentucky. If they beat UK and Auburn, then the NCAA Tournament talk is legitimate. Splitting them means they need to make a run in the SEC Tournament. Losing both likely means they have to get an automatic bid. That’s what’s in front of them as they tip off Tuesday night.