Tennessee Vols Poised for Sweet Sixteen Showdown Against Kentucky
INDIANAPOLIS – The sixth-ranked, second-seeded Tennessee men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting match against the No. 18/21 Kentucky Wildcats in the Sweet Sixteen, set for Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium, with tipoff at 7:39 p.m. ET. This marks the Volunteers’ third consecutive trip to the Sweet Sixteen, a program milestone.
Tennessee (29-7) secured its spot by defeating UCLA 67-58, showcasing a strong performance led by fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier, who notched 20 points and set a single-season record for 3-pointers made. The Volunteers have historically dominated the Wildcats, boasting a 78-50 all-time record against them, including 11 victories under head coach Rick Barnes since 2015, more than any other team.
Both teams enter the game with notable accomplishments; Kentucky (24-11) is in its first Sweet Sixteen since 2019, tying for sixth in the SEC. Junior guard Otega Oweh leads the Wildcats with 16.3 points per game.
Tennessee is determined to reach the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year, which would be another first for the program. Under Rick Barnes, the Vols have amassed a strong tournament record with 11 wins in NCAA Tournament play. The matchup carries added significance, as this marks the first time the Vols will face an SEC opponent in the NCAA Tournament.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, fans can catch the action on TBS/truTV, with live commentary from an experienced broadcasting team. Tennessee’s recent achievements, including an impressive campaign earning multiple SEC awards for its standout players, further fuel the excitement surrounding this anticipated battle.
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