Tennessee basketball is chasing back-to-back Elite Eight berths for the first time in program history.
The No. 2 seed Vols (29-7) play No. 3 seed Kentucky (24-11) on Friday (7:39 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV) in Indianapolis. UT reached the Sweet 16 in three straight seasons and got to the Elite Eight for the second time in UT history in 2024.
Here is what to know about the first matchup between Tennessee and Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament:
Can Tennessee slow down Kentucky’s 3-point shooting?
Kobe Brea made a 3-pointer 42 seconds into the first Tennessee-Kentucky game this season, setting the tone for the two regular-season matchups.
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The Wildcats shot 50% in two games against the Vols, who have the nation’s third-best 3-point defense.
“They made the shots and they’re a team that is capable of making tough shots,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. “But we did have some breakdowns that let them get going. I think a team like that, they can shoot it, you give them just a little bit of space, let them get the rhythm, it doesn’t take much for them to have a great night against you.”
Brea was 6-for-9 in the two games. Ansley Almonor was 6-for-10. Trent Noah was 4-for-5, including a 3-for-4 game in Lexington. Noah made 10 3-pointers in the regular season.
Tennessee’s Igor Milicic Jr. has been at his best against Kentucky
Igor Milicic Jr. had two of his best games this season when the Vols played the Wildcats. The senior forward averaged 17.5 points and 9.0 rebounds against Kentucky.
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“I was just ready for the moment,” Milicic said.
Milicic has been an integral part of Tennessee’s success. He is the leading rebounder and got back to his rebounding ways with seven against UCLA. Barnes also thought Milicic did well with the ball against the Bruins.
“Right now, whether it’s Igor, whoever, they’ve got to be ready to play,” Barnes said. “We’ve talked about this time of year, what it’s all about. But Igor did play well, I thought, both times. And we need him to do it, that and more.”
How Tennessee has fared vs Kentucky in neutral-site games
Tennessee has played Kentucky in three neutral-site games in Barnes’ tenure. It has won two of those games.
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The Vols beat the Wildcats 69-62 in Tampa, Florida, in March 2022 in the SEC Tournament semifinals. They won 82-78 in the conference tournament semifinals in March 2019 in Nashville.
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UT lost 77-72 in the SEC Tournament final in March 2018 in St. Louis.
Tennessee prediction vs Kentucky: March Madness Sweet 16
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.
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Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee vs Kentucky prediction, pick for March Madness Sweet 16
