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Expert prediction

Sweet 16: Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 28)

  • Nikola Velickovic
  • Mar 27, 2025 at 1:28 PM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Kentucky vs. Tennessee odds favor the Volunteers -190.
  • The Wildcats beat the Volunteers twice this year already.
  • This Sweet 16 game takes place at the Lucas Oli Field in Indianapolis.

The Midwest Region brought together Kentucky and Tennessee, who already met twice this year. Despite beating the Volunteers on both occasions, Kentucky comes into this March Madness game as an underdog.

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How to Watch

  • When: Friday, March 28, 7:30 pm ET
  • Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • How to Watch: TBS/truTV

March Madness Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Kentucky+160+4.5144.5
Tennessee-190-4.5144.5

Game Preview

No.3 Kentucky Wildcats (24-11) beat the Troy Trojans 76-57, and then Illinois Fighting Illini 84-75. The latter game was a true challenge for Mark Pope and his unit, and they passed the test.

Koby Brea scored 23 points, which is his career-high. He is averaging 11.8 points this year and shooting a very good 43.2% from three. Otega Oweh is the top scorer with 16.3 buckets this year.

On the other side is the No.2 Tennessee Volunteers (29-7), whose rock-solid defense was the main reason why they easily eliminated the Wofford Terriers, 77-62, and later on UCLA.

The final result against the Bruins was 67-58, with them limiting the rivals to only 25 points in the opening 20 minutes of the event. They completely outrebounded the rivals, having 10 boards more, 36-26.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Head-to-Head

As stated, this is the third game of the year. On both previous occasions, the Wildcats won on the road, 78-73, and then at home, 75-64. The Wildcats were very tough in defense in either of these two NCAA games, which was why they won. Plus, they shot threes better.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee Predictions

The Volunteers have shown great defensive effort in recent times, but that won’t win this event because Kentucky also plays solid D. Everything will come down to shooting, and in that aspect, the Wildcats are better. Tennessee won’t repeat the three-point performance like against UCLA.

  • Free March Madness picks: Kentucky -3.5

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