It’s hard to beat a team three times in three months, but Kentucky will look to keep on sweeping Friday night. The Wildcats have already beaten Tennessee twice this year, but will need a third win against the Vols to make it to the Elite Eight
How to watch No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 3 Kentucky
- What: Midwest Regional, Sweet 16
- Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis
- Time: 7:39 p.m., Friday, March 28
- TV: TBS, truTV
- Streaming: Max, March Madness Live
- Watching in-person? Get tickets on StubHub.
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For the Volunteers to break the skid, they must contain the 3. Throughout the season, they have been elite in this area, ranking third in the country in defensive 3-point percentage — except against the Wildcats. In two games versus Kentucky this season, the Wildcats have made 50 percent of their 3s (12-for-24 in both games).
There is a direct correlation between Kentucky’s win percentage and how it shoots the 3. The Wildcats are 3-6 when they shoot below 30 percent from beyond the arc.
At times, Tennessee can be stagnant on offense, going long stretches without scoring. In two tournament games, the Vols have shot over their season average from 3 and found other ways to score, like attacking the offensive glass and getting to the free-throw line.
Among matchups to watch are Chaz Lanier vs. Otega Oweh, a pair of future NBA players. Also, a healthier Lamont Butler and Zakai Zeigler battle at the point guard spot.
Fun fact: Lanier has made more 3s than Dalton Knecht did last year.
Tennessee vs. Kentucky odds
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(Photo of Mark Pope and Koby Brea: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)
