Kentucky wildcats faces Underdog Odds Against Tennessee In Sweet 16: Tennessee’s Never Choked Before!

 

Kentucky wildcats faces Underdog Odds Against Tennessee In Sweet 16: Tennessee’s Never Choked Before!

For the first time since 2019, Kentucky basketball is back in the Sweet 16. The Wildcats will square off against a familiar SEC rival, the Tennessee Volunteers, in Indianapolis. Despite defeating the Vols twice during the regular season, Kentucky enters the matchup as a 4.5-point underdog.

The oddsmakers aren’t alone in their projections. Analytical models like KenPom and Bart Torvik predict close Tennessee victories, with KenPom forecasting a 76-71 outcome and Torvik favoring the Vols 74-71. However, Kentucky has proven its ability to defy expectations, as seen in their two regular-season victories over Tennessee. In their first meeting, Kentucky stunned the Vols in Knoxville with a five-point win despite being a 10.5-point underdog. The second encounter saw the Wildcats secure a convincing 75-64 win at Rupp Arena as 3.5-point underdogs.

This matchup marks the first time Kentucky and Tennessee will face each other in the NCAA Tournament. It’s also a chance for the Wildcats to continue their strong tournament run. Kentucky has already covered the spread in both of its NCAA Tournament wins, defeating Providence and Illinois in the process. They’re now 8-3 Against the Spread (ATS) this season, with seven outright wins.

Meanwhile, Tennessee enters the Sweet 16 with momentum but not without flaws. The Volunteers have lost two of their last 11 games, falling to Ole Miss in the regular-season finale and Florida in the SEC Tournament title game. They’ve struggled to cover spreads, achieving it only three times during this stretch. However, they’re coming off a dominant 67-58 win over UCLA in the Round of 32, where they easily covered a 5.5-point spread.

Both teams have plenty to prove in this high-stakes matchup. Kentucky, led by head coach Mark Pope, is playing some of its best basketball of the season. The Wildcats’ defense has significantly improved, and their resilience has been on full display during this tournament run. Tennessee, on the other hand, will look to lean on its depth and balanced scoring to overcome its rival.

With a trip to the Elite Eight on the line, the Wildcats have a chance to silence the doubters once again. Big Blue Nation will be hoping for another thrilling upset as Kentucky looks to keep its championship dreams alive.