Location: Rupp Arena. Lexington, KY.
Date & Time: March, 2nd. 2 PM EST. CBS
All-Time Series: Kentucky Leads 153-71.
Background Information:
January, 21st. Tennessee and Rick Barnes made the impossible, possible as they were ranked #1 for the first time in a very long time. Until, February, 16th when the Kentucky Wildcats would come and slam the door on the Vols and handed them their first loss since November, 23rd against Kansas. UT gets their shot back at the Wildcats on Saturday at home with a shot at the SEC Regular Season Championship on the line.
For the Wildcats, they’ve continued their streak after losing a heartbreaker in rather controversial fashion. If Kentucky can win this game, they control their destiny and have a very favorable schedule down the stretch with a road game at Ole Miss and a final home game next Saturday vs. Florida. Facing Tennessee in a hostile environment will surely be the final test for the Wildcats and should shape up for a wild finish here in the SEC.
Tennessee is looking for revenge after a big time loss to the Wildcats and same to UK, dropped a game against LSU in OT on the road. UT has had 2 Naismith contenders in Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield. Both of those guys will need to come up big and in a environment unlike any other, revenge will be on their mind. Similar to UK, after this game, Tennessee doesn’t have much of a challenge. UT faces Mississippi State on Tuesday and closes things out with a road game on Saturday against Auburn.
Keys to a win for Kentucky:
Rupp Arena will be rocking and Kentucky will need to bring down as many rebounds as possible. UT is really good at rebounding as they rank in the top 40 in the nation in defensive rebounding.
Also limiting the presence down low of Grant Williams and Schofield will be very crucial. It will be Asthan Hagans primed to take that task and he might be the most important guy on defense on the Wildcats in this contest. Getting Tyler Herro going from 3 will get some momentum and energy for the Wildcats.
Keys to a win for Tennessee:
Tennessee is elite at dishing the ball, as well as, limiting turnovers. Tennessee is ranked #2 in the entire nation in Assists to turnover ratio. The Vols have a 1.68 assists to turnover ratio.
With a really old team and experience up and down the court, I don’t expect UT to turn the ball over a ton and even in the Rupp, keep it close to single digits in turning it over.
Final Verdict:
Kentucky dominated Tennessee (especially in the 2nd half) and flexed their muscles and showed they are still in contention. UT will come in more prepared and ready for a battle. But in the end, it will not be enough as the Wildcats will get the job done and that next step towards yet another SEC Regular Season Championship. Kentucky 75, Tennessee 65.
Image Credit: https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/12/2/18121674/uk-wildcats-basketball-ashton-hagans-is-finding-his-fit-on-defense
