NCAA Basketball returns to action with a huge SEC Conference clash. The Kentucky Wildcats host the Tennessee Volunteers at the Rupp Arena at 8 pm EST tonight. It is their first encounter of the season, and they play again in two weeks.
The Wildcats are having a forgetful season. Ranked #1 just a year back, they are now 5-11 and aren’t even close to being in the AP Poll. The Wildcats could be on their way to their first losing season since 1988-89. Unless they have a miracle and all of their remaining games, they are bound to finish below .500.
The Volunteers are in a much better place, with a 12-4 record currently. After two impressive wins against Mississippi State and Kansas, Tennessee unexpectedly lost to Ole Miss in their last game. It was a two-point loss that they would want to put behind themselves, and a win tonight will be the perfect way to do it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
NCAA Basketball: Can the Wildcats upset the Volunteers?
The Wildcats are still missing Terrence Clarke, who is out with an ankle injury. Jacob Toppin is questionable after sitting out the previous game because of illness. Their lineup could feature Brandon Boston, Davion Mintz, and Devin Askew as their guards, and Isaiah Jackson and Olivier Sarr as their forwards.
Corey Walker Jr is still on the sidelines for the Volunteers, but the rest of the team is fit. They are likely to start with Keon Johnson, Santiago Vescovi, and Jaden Springer as their guards, while John Fulkerson and Yves Pons start as their forwards.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Unsurprisingly, the #11 ranked Volunteers are the favorites for this clash. In recent years, this fixture has not been as one-sided as before. Both teams come into the game with a good chance to win, but tonight will be an exception.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Wildcats have some exciting talents on their hands, but it is nothing to worry about for the Volunteers who boast the number one defense in the country. They will be expected to coast through, and it could get ugly for the Wildcats. With just seven games to go, they will be aiming for the season to get over soon.
ALSO READ – Looking Back at How the Kentucky Wildcats 2009–10 Season Changed College Basketball