Kentucky Wildcats Prepare For Sweet 16 Showdown Against Tennessee

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2025) — The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team is headed to the Sweet 16, and the UK Alumni Association is inviting Big Blue Nation to gather in Indianapolis before tipoff. Fans are encouraged to attend a pregame party and pep rally on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET at Brothers Bar & Grill, located at 255 S. Meridian St. in Indianapolis.

The UK band and cheerleaders will perform at the event, and attendees can pick up UK swag while supplies last. The event is free and open to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase. If the Wildcats advance to the Elite Eight, Brothers Bar & Grill will again serve as the pregame headquarters, beginning three hours before tipoff.

Kentucky, the No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region, will face No. 2 seed Tennessee at 7:39 p.m. ET on Friday, March 28, at Lucas Oil Stadium, located at 500 S. Capitol Ave. in Indianapolis. Fans can purchase game tickets at NCAA.com/MBBTickets, with additional ticket information available at NCAA Ticket Exchange, the official secondary marketplace for authentic NCAA Tournament tickets.

For fans arriving in Indianapolis early, the UK Alumni Association is hosting a book signing with UK basketball legend Jack “Goose” Givens on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m. ET at Brothers Bar & Grill. Givens will discuss his book, “They Call Me Goose: My Life in Kentucky Basketball and Beyond,” and sign copies. A limited number of hardcover books will be available for purchase at $38 each.

For those unable to travel to Indianapolis, game watch parties will be hosted in cities across the country. A full list of locations is available online, with updates posted as additional watch parties are confirmed. For more information, fans can visit www.ukalumni.net/MarchMadness or contact the UK Alumni Association at ukalumni@uky.edu. The UK Alumni Association is committed to fostering lifelong engagement among alumni, friends, the association, and the university.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. The institution is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders while transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research, creative work, service, and health care.

The excitement surrounding this year’s tournament is palpable, especially considering the Wildcats’ recent postseason struggles. The team had not made it to the Sweet 16 since 2019, with five consecutive seasons marred by a canceled tournament in 2020, a missed appearance in 2021, and two one-and-done exits in 2022 and 2024, with a Round of 32 loss sandwiched between in 2023.

Head coach Mark Pope, in his first season with Kentucky, has successfully turned the program around, leading the Wildcats to impressive victories, including a 19-point win over No. 14 seed Troy and a nine-point win over No. 6 seed Illinois in Milwaukee. The Wildcats are now looking to continue their success against Tennessee, a formidable opponent.

“We just have a lot of love, and we’re going to win that game,” said Kentucky guard Lamont Butler after learning about their Sweet 16 opponent. The Tennessee Volunteers will be making their third straight and only the 11th overall appearance in the Sweet 16 round, having advanced to the Elite Eight twice before this season.

While the Volunteers boast a core of experienced players, Kentucky is making a name for itself with a completely new roster. The Wildcats have already exceeded expectations, especially considering that they have only played together for the first time this season. Mark Pope’s leadership has been pivotal in their success.

The matchup is particularly intriguing as both teams have experienced recent successes against each other. Kentucky has a 7-3 edge over Tennessee in their last ten meetings, including two victories earlier this season. The Wildcats defeated the Volunteers 78-73 on January 28 at the Food City Center in Knoxville and followed it up with a 75-64 win at Rupp Arena in February.

This season, Kentucky has averaged 85 points per game, showcasing a fast-paced offense, while allowing 77.2 points. In contrast, Tennessee has averaged 74.6 points and allowed just 62.9, demonstrating a more controlled and defensive style of play.

In terms of injuries, both teams are facing challenges. Kentucky’s Kerr Keriisa and Jaxson Robinson are out due to season-ending injuries, while Tennessee’s J.P. Estrella is also sidelined. The depth of both rosters will be tested as they prepare for this critical matchup.

The game is set to tip off at 7:39 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on TBS. The Volunteers are currently favored by 4.5 points, with the over/under set at 144.5. Predictions suggest a tight contest, with some analysts favoring Tennessee to win by a narrow margin.

As the Wildcats prepare for this pivotal game, the players are aware of the significance of their journey. “It’s a dream come true, man. Kentucky basketball, they’re used to winning. They have a winning tradition,” Butler added. The team is eager to not only make their fans proud but also to continue their own personal journeys in the tournament.

With the Sweet 16 finally within reach, the Wildcats are determined to push forward. Their journey has been fraught with challenges, but the excitement of the tournament and the support from their fans have fueled their drive. The opportunity to compete for a spot in the Elite Eight is a testament to their resilience and hard work.

As they step onto the court in Indianapolis, the Kentucky Wildcats will carry the hopes of their fans and the weight of their recent history. The stakes are high, but with a fresh outlook and a determination to succeed, they are ready to face the Tennessee Volunteers in what promises to be an exhilarating matchup.