SEC Basketball: Tennessee vs. Kentucky game preview, prediction, TV schedule
By Taylor Sturm
Out for revenge, the Kentucky Wildcats face the Tennessee Volunteers at home on Tuesday night in an SEC basketball match-up.
TV Schedule: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Arena: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Prediction: Kentucky 85, Tennessee 74
The last time the Tennessee Volunteers faced the Kentucky Wildcats, they headed into the game needing a big win to spark their 2017 NCAA Tournament chances. They did just that by stunning the Wildcats in Nashville.
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After a disappointing home loss to the Georgia Bulldogs this weekend, their NCAA Tournament chances are once again hanging on by a thread, and a massive road win over the Wildcats could place them solidly into the Big Dance.
Kentucky, on the other hand, is tied with both the Florida Gators and South Carolina Gamecocks at the top of the SEC standings, but have won back to back tough games. Currently projected a No. 3 seed in the first-ever NCAA Tournament in-season look at the top 16 seeds, the Wildcats will have a more than ample opportunity to sneak into a No. 1 or No. 2 seed by the time March swings around. A blowout win over Tennessee could be just what the doctor ordered for this team to get its groove back and finish out the regular season strong.
When it comes to the top teams in the SEC year in and year out, the Volunteers have a knack of splitting home and homes with the best of the best. Whether it’s Florida, Kentucky, or even the Vanderbilt Commodores of the past, the Vols always seem to rise to the challenge against favored opponents.
However, I think you can expect Kentucky to pull away early in the second half and cruise to a victory in Lexington. Rick Barnes has this Vols’ team on the right track, but injuries, fouls, and youth are getting to them in the second half of games. This team, even if they miss out on the Big Dance, should easily make the NIT — which is a win for the Tennessee program.
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Don’t hate on the Vols too much, Wildcat fans. You might find yourselves rooting for Tennessee down the stretch, as their road match-up with South Carolina could solidify Kentucky’s place at the top of the SEC.