The No. 24/RV Tennessee men’s basketball team, boasting a record of 12-5 and 2-2 in the SEC, is preparing to take on the Kentucky Wildcats (11-6, 2-2) this Saturday at the Food City Center. The matchup is set to tip off at 12 p.m. ET, with fans able to catch the action on ESPN or stream it via the ESPN App. Dan Shulman will provide play-by-play commentary, joined by color analyst Jay Bilas. Additionally, Tennessee supporters can tune into local Vol Network radio affiliates to listen to the Voice of the Vols, Chris Lofton.
Historically, Tennessee leads the all-time series against Kentucky with 79 wins, significantly ahead of the next closest competitor, Vanderbilt, which has 50. Under head coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers have achieved remarkable success against the Wildcats, recording 12 wins during his tenure from 2015-26. Notably, Tennessee holds an impressive 11-8 record against ranked Kentucky teams, a testament to their competitive edge in recent years, especially as they have beaten the Wildcats at least once in nine of Barnes’ ten seasons.
In contrast, prior to Barnes’ arrival, Tennessee struggled against Kentucky, posting just a 9-35 record from 1993-2015. This stark turnaround highlights the significant progress the program has made. Barnes now ranks joint sixth all-time for most wins over Kentucky, a position he shares with legendary coach Dean Smith, and stands as the active coach with the highest number of victories against the Wildcats.
The recent rivalry includes last season’s NCAA Tournament meeting, where Tennessee secured a 78-65 victory in the Sweet 16, leading by as many as 19 points. The win was a highlight for Tennessee, reflecting their growing dominance in this historical rivalry. Kentucky, who finished their previous season at 24-12 and reached the Sweet 16, was picked to finish second in the SEC this year, with standout senior guard Otega Oweh leading the team with an average of 15.8 points per game.
Tennessee is coming off a thrilling 87-82 double-overtime victory over Texas A&M, their first such game in nearly 13 years. This victory can be attributed to strong performances across the board, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience. The Vols managed to grab 60 rebounds in that match, a significant feat for the program, and demonstrated their capability to compete in high-pressure situations.
As the Volunteers aim for continued success and to maintain their unblemished home record in the SEC, the upcoming clash against Kentucky promises to be an exciting chapter in a storied rivalry. With both teams displaying competitive spirits and the Vols’ recent strong performances, fans are set for an exhilarating contest on Saturday.