LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDRB) — A heated SEC rivalry takes center stage in the NCAA Tournament on Friday night as No. 3 seed Kentucky faces No. 2 seed Tennessee in the Sweet 16, setting up a highly anticipated game for Cats fans.
The clash between the Wildcats and Volunteers marks the third meeting of the season between the two programs. Kentucky won both games during the season. The Cats bested the Vols, 78-73, in Knoxville back in January and beat Tennessee, 75-64, in Lexington two weeks later. The third matchup, in a win-or-go-home situation, adds a layer of intrigue.
“I think Kentucky is a dangerous team,” said Kentucky fan Eric Adams. “The matchup against (Tennessee) is pretty good, and then from there it’s an easy road to the Final Four to the championship.”
Kentucky, led by first-year head coach Mark Pope, is riding with momentum, fueled by a top-15 offense. Meanwhile, Tennessee is known for its physical, top-five rated defense.
“You can see the chemistry between the new coach and all the team members and stuff like that,” said Rylea Marcum, a student at UK. “It looks like a better functioning team.”
The game is being played in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Over the last week, it has transformed from its usual football playing surface, to a big stage for basketball.
The winner of the Sweet 16 matchup will advance to the Elite 8, which will also be played at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
“It’s hard to beat a good team three times, but Pope’s going to do it,” said Max Adams, who planned to travel to Indy for the game. “I feel like Pope has got the guys rallied.”
The game tips off at 7:39 p.m. Friday.
