INDIANAPOLIS — Kentucky basketball aims to post a 3-0 record in a season against bitter rival Tennessee for the first time in 20 years. UK can accomplish that feat tonight if it tops UT in the first NCAA Tournament contest between the programs, as the pair square off in the Sweet 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
When the Wildcats last went 3-0 versus the Volunteers in a campaign two decades ago, Kentucky won the first matchup, 84-62, at Thompson-Boling Arena on Jan. 25, 2005. UK turned around and won by 12 points (73-61) on senior night at Rupp Arena on March 2, 2005. The Wildcats then won Round 3 (76-62) nine days later at the SEC Tournament in Atlanta.
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This season’s Kentucky team, led by first-year coach Mark Pope, hopes it can match the 2004-05 club’s achievement tonight in a March Madness matchup in Indianapolis.
Here’s how to watch Kentucky vs. Tennessee today, including start time, TV channel, streaming information and more:
FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA men’s tournament bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.
Kentucky vs Tennessee start time
- Date: Friday, March 28
- Time: 7:39 p.m.
Kentucky vs Tennessee is scheduled to tip off at 7:39 p.m. from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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What channel is Kentucky vs Tennessee basketball on today?
- TV: TBS/truTV
- Streaming: SLING TV
TBS and truTV will televise Kentucky and Tennessee’s game today. Streaming options include SLING TV.
Kentucky vs Tennessee predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday
- Spread: Kentucky is a 4 ½-point underdog.
- Over/under: 144 ½ points
- Money line: Kentucky +170, Tennessee -210.
Ryan Black, Louisville Courier Journal: Tennessee 82, Kentucky 78
Kentucky won both meetings during the regular season. But neither game was a rout. The Volunteers will be ultra motivated to ensure they don’t go 0-3 versus the Wildcats this season. Not to mention UT’s longtime quest to (finally) advance to the Final Four for the first time in program history. Like two boxers unwilling to give an inch, Kentucky and Tennessee will trade shots in this frenzied Sweet 16 showcase of the SEC. But the Vols will land the knockout blow, handing the Wildcats a season-ending four-point defeat at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mike Wilson, Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee 76, Kentucky 68
The Vols had wild statistical deviations from their normal output offensively and defensively in the two games against Kentucky. Here’s betting the numbers balance out in the Sweet 16.
Kentucky basketball schedule 2024-25
Below are the past five games of Kentucky’s 2024-25 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here.
March 8Kentucky 91, Missouri 83March 13Kentucky 85, Oklahoma 84 (SEC Tournament second round)March 14Alabama 99, Kentucky 70 (SEC Tournament quarterfinals)March 21Kentucky 76, Troy 57 (NCAA Tournament first round)March 23Kentucky 84, Illinois 75 (NCAA Tournament second round)March 28Kentucky vs. Tennessee (NCAA Tournament Sweet 16)
Tennessee basketball schedule 2024-25
Below are the past five games of Tennessee’s 2024-25 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here.
March 14Tennessee 83, Texas 72 (SEC Tournament quarterfinals)March 15Tennessee 70, Auburn 65 (SEC Tournament semifinals)March 16Florida 86, Tennessee 77 (SEC Tournament championship game)March 20Tennessee 77, Wofford 62 (NCAA Tournament first round)March 22Tennessee 67, UCLA 58 (NCAA Tournament second round)March 28Tennessee vs. Kentucky (NCAA Tournament Sweet 16)
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