Sweet 16: Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Tennessee basketball had no trouble beating Wofford and UCLA to make their 3rd Sweet 16 in a row, but now the Vols will face their biggest rival for a trip to the Elite 8. Kentucky beat Tennessee twice in the regular season in Mark Pope’s first year in Lexington, but Rick Barnes and Tennessee can redeem themselves and send the Wildcats back home with a big fat loss. This is easily the biggest game in the history of the rivalry. It is the first time the two teams will match up in the NCAA tournament, and if Tennessee wants to come out on top, they will have to bring a better effort versus the veteran-led Kentucky squad.
Keys to the game
Defend the 3-pointer and make a few of your own
Tennessee has to run Kentucky off the 3-point line. The Wildcats shot 50% from beyond the arc in both games versus the Vols this year, and Tennessee shot a combined 14-63 from beyond the arc in both games. It was easily the biggest reason Tennessee lost both games, and if Tennessee’s elite 3-point defense shows up for the first time versus Kentucky this year, it will bode well for Tennessee’s chances. Shooting better than 22% from three would benefit the Vols as well.
Force the ball inside and get to the free-throw line
Tennessee has been money from the free-throw line in their last 3 games, shooting 83% as a team. Getting to the free-throw line and forcing the issue inside will be crucial for Tennessee in this game. An up-and-down game where Tennessee would have to go shot for shot with the Wildcats definitely lowers the Vols’ chances to win.
Limit Turnovers and rebound the ball
Pretty obvious, any coach in America on any given night has this on their whiteboard in the locker room, but the fundamentals are crucial in March. If Tennessee gives Kentucky second chances and gives up live ball turnovers that allow Kentucky to get out and run, it could be curtains for Tennessee. Take care of the ball, rebound with both hands, and be the tougher team.
In all honesty, if Tennessee didn’t have a historically bad shooting performance in Knoxville, and two freshmen for Kentucky who average 5.5 points combined didn’t pour in 19 points in Lexington everyone would be singing a different tune right now. However, you have to give Kentucky credit for winning both games in the regular season, fluky or not. With that being said, it’s hard to imagine Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack allowing Kentucky to end their careers. The revenge factor is there, the Vols will be ready, and they will beat the Kentucky Wildcats and move on to the Elite 8.