The Tennessee vs Kentucky Sweet 16 game is more than just a game — it’s another chapter in this epic rivalry.
March Madness delivers once again, as two storied Southeastern Conference (SEC) programs—Tennessee and Kentucky—collide in a high-stakes Sweet 16 game. Slated for Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:39 p.m. ET, this primetime clash at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis promises to be one of the most electric matchups of the NCAA Tournament.
The game will be televised on both TBS and truTV, drawing national interest as fans prepare for a blockbuster night of college basketball. With elite talent, coaching strategy, and an intense rivalry backdrop, all signs point to a March Madness game that will be talked about for years. Who will advance to Elite 8?
Read our preview and check out all the best March Madness betting promos here.
Tennessee vs Kentucky: A Showdown Years in the Making
The No. 2-seed Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) and No. 3-seed Kentucky Wildcats in the bracket have long been dominant forces in the SEC, but the 2025 season has brought new stakes. Both programs are looking for that breakthrough victory that propels them into the Elite Eight and toward Final Four dreams.
Beyond just seeding and stats, this matchup has serious emotional weight. The Wildcats already own two regular-season wins over the Vols, creating a unique storyline: can Kentucky complete the rare three-peat in a single season against their bitter rivals?
NCAA Tournament Journeys
Tennessee Volunteers (29–8 Overall Record)
- Seed: No. 2, Midwest Region
- First Round: Defeated No. 15 Wofford, 77–62
- Second Round: Beat No. 7 UCLA, 67–58
- Sweet 16: Third consecutive appearance
Tennessee has enjoyed a smooth ride to the Sweet 16, led by a veteran squad and a coach known for defensive schemes and mental preparation. This marks the first time in program history that the Vols have reached the Sweet 16 three consecutive years—cementing their place among the national elite.
Their defense has been smothering, their players poised, and their ability to close games unmatched. Against UCLA, Tennessee maintained control throughout, showcasing their ability to limit high-powered offenses.
Kentucky Wildcats (24–11 Overall Record)
- Seed: No. 3, Midwest Region
- First Round: Defeated No. 14 Troy, 76–57
- Second Round: Took down No. 6 Illinois, 84–75
- Sweet 16: First appearance since 2019
Kentucky’s recent performances reveal a team that’s peaking at the right time. Their victory over Illinois showcased their depth, athleticism, and ability to push the tempo. Despite entering as a lower seed, the Wildcats carry momentum—and the confidence that comes from two regular-season wins over Tennessee.
Match Context & Regular-Season Series
The head-to-head series between these two SEC powers only adds fuel to the fire. Kentucky beat Tennessee twice this season, once on the road in Knoxville (78–73), and again at home in Lexington (75–64). Both games were tightly contested, marked by late-game execution and physical defense.
Injuries played a role in both meetings. Kentucky’s point guard Lamont Butler missed the first game entirely and exited the second early. Jaxson Robinson, a major contributor in the first meeting for Kentucky, missed the rematch and is now out for the rest of the season.
Despite these setbacks, Kentucky showed grit, adjusting rotations and still pulling out victories. The Vols, however, have learned from those defeats and are ready to respond with tactical adjustments.
Historic Rivalry Runs Deep
The Kentucky vs. Tennessee basketball rivalry is one of the oldest and most spirited in college basketball. The two programs have faced off 232 times, with Kentucky leading the all-time series 157–76. This long-standing feud includes epic showdowns, coaching drama, and unforgettable moments.
Iconic Historical Moments
- 1966 Knoxville Upset: Tennessee pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in college basketball history, defeating undefeated No. 1 Kentucky, 69–62, at home. Pat Riley scored 22 points for Kentucky, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Vols.
- 1972 SEC Title Clash: Tennessee had a chance to clinch the SEC title but missed a critical free throw in the closing moments, losing 67–66. The game allowed Kentucky to share the title and earn the NCAA bid on a tiebreaker.
- 1950s–60s Dominance: Kentucky had a near-total hold on the rivalry during this era, winning 31 of 32 games, including a record 20-game streak from 1950 to 1960.
Player Spotlights: Stars to Watch
Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols are powered by guard Chaz Lanier, who leads the team with 18.1 points per game and hits 41.0% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot gives Tennessee a valuable offensive advantage.
Supporting him are:
- Zakai Zeigler: 13.7 PPG, 7.4 APG, 2.0 STL — a dynamic floor general
- Jordan Gainey: 11.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG — clutch shooter
- Jahmai Mashack: 4.3 RPG, 1.6 STL — a lockdown perimeter defender
- Felix Okpara: 6.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG — anchors the paint defensively
Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky’s offense is equally potent. Leading the charge is Otega Oweh, averaging 16.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His ability to play above the rim and defend multiple positions gives Kentucky a two-way advantage.
Key contributors include:
- Koby Brea: 11.8 PPG, 2.6 3PM — perimeter sniper
- Amari Williams: 10.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG — consistent big man
- Andrew Carr: 10.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG — versatile forward
- Lamont Butler: A top defensive guard who adds leadership and late-game poise
Though Jaxson Robinson is out for the rest of the season, his earlier victory-clinching efforts still resonate with fans and give Kentucky belief.
Scoring Insights and Trends
- Tennessee averages 74.6 points per game, while Kentucky allows 77.2
- Kentucky scores 85.0 PPG; Tennessee only allows 62.9
- Tennessee is 10–0 when scoring over 77.2 points
- Kentucky is 14–2 when holding teams under 74.6
- When Kentucky scores more than 62.9, they’re 21–10
- Tennessee is 25–6 when holding teams under 85
Clearly, this matchup pits offense against defense. Kentucky’s high-octane play will face a stiff test against Tennessee’s grind-it-out, physical approach.
Betting Lines & Predictions
- Spread: Tennessee -4.5
- Over/Under: 145.5 points
- Moneyline: Tennessee -218, Kentucky +180
- KenPom Prediction: Tennessee 76, Kentucky 71 (65% win probability for Tennessee)
Though the betting odds slightly favor Tennessee, Kentucky’s strong recent form and familiarity with the Vols could tilt the balance. Both teams have covered the spread 18 times this season—highlighting how closely matched they are.
Head-to-Head Breakdown (Since 2017)
| Category | Tennessee | Kentucky |
| Wins | 9 | 10 |
| Win % | 47.4% | 52.6% |
| Home Win % | 44.4% | 50.0% |
| Away Win % | 50.0% | 55.6% |
| Points Per Game | 71.6 | 74.7 |
| Home PPG | 69.7 | 79.0 |
| Away PPG | 73.3 | 70.0 |
Recent Form – Last 5 Games
Tennessee
- Record: 4–1
- Avg PPG: 74.8
- Avg Opponent PPG: 68.6
- ATS Win %: 60%
- Total Points Over %: 60%
Kentucky
- Record: 4–1
- Avg PPG: 81.2
- Avg Opponent PPG: 79.6
- ATS Win %: 60%
- Total Points Over %: 40%
Where to watch Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball vs Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball?
You might be wondering: where to watch Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball vs Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball in the NCAA tournament?
One of the biggest rivalries in college basketball is set to take center stage as the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Kentucky Wildcats in a high-stakes NCAA Tournament showdown.
Whether you’re a die-hard Vols fan, a loyal Big Blue Nation supporter, or just a college hoops enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this epic Sweet 16 clash.
Wondering where to catch all the action live? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about how and where to watch the Tennessee vs. Kentucky men’s basketball game—including TV channels, live streaming options, game time, and viewing tips.
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: 7:39 p.m. ET
TV: TBS and truTV
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Commentators: Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas, Evan Washburn
Best Bets: Tennessee vs Kentucky
The 2025 Sweet 16 matchup between Kentucky and Tennessee represents everything great about college basketball—history, stakes, talent, and passion. For the Vols, this is a chance at redemption. For Kentucky, it’s about asserting dominance and writing another successful chapter in their rivalry.
With statistical trends leaning slightly toward Tennessee and the psychological advantage possibly favoring Kentucky, this game promises a dramatic, closely contested finish. Expect standout moments from star players, high-level coaching decisions, and a raucous crowd at a neutral site.
Whether it’s Tennessee breaking through or Kentucky completing the sweep, March Madness fans are in for an unforgettable night of hoops.
