The SEC has had an unprecedented year, with 14 out of its 16 teams making it to the NCAA Tournament and seven advancing to the Sweet Sixteen—both new records. This highlights the conference’s dominance in college basketball this season.
On Friday, two of the SEC’s top teams will battle for a spot in the Elite Eight: No. 3 Kentucky and No. 2 Tennessee.
Kentucky boasts a deep lineup, with six players averaging at least 10 points per game. Otega Oweh leads the team with 16.3 points per game, and he’s joined by Jaxson Robinson, Koby Brea, and Lamont Butler to form a formidable backcourt.
These teams, familiar SEC foes, met twice earlier in the season, with Kentucky winning both matchups. However, Tennessee still secured the higher seed in the Midwest region.
The Volunteers counter with their own elite trio of senior guards: Chaz Lanier, Zakai Zeigler, and Jordan Gainey, each averaging at least 11 points per game.
How to Watch Tennessee vs. Kentucky
- TV Channels: TBS, truTV
- Live Stream: Sling
Viewers can catch the game live on TBS and truTV, with Andrew Catalon, Steve Lappas, and Evan Washburn providing commentary. Fans looking to stream the matchup can do so on Sling, which offers coverage of both the men’s and women’s tournaments, including games on TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, and ABC.
Game Details
- Date: Friday, March 28
- Time: 7:39 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Tennessee has been a consistent force in the regular season but has never advanced past the Elite Eight, reaching that stage only twice (2010, 2024). This marks the Volunteers’ third straight Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Meanwhile, Kentucky is a familiar face in March Madness but is navigating a new era. With John Calipari departing for Arkansas, Mark Pope has taken over as head coach, guiding the Wildcats to their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2019, when they last made the Elite Eight.
Key Tournament Dates
- Final Four: April 5
- National Championship: April 7
- Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s Alamodome will host the Final Four for the first time since 2018, having previously been the venue in 1998, 2004, and 2008. The Women’s Final Four has also been held there three times.
2025 NCAA Tournament Schedule
- First Four: March 18-19
- First Round: March 20-21
- Second Round: March 22-23
- Sweet Sixteen: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5
- Championship Game: April 7
For live updates on scores and matchups, fans can check The Sporting News NCAA Tournament bracket.
