Tennessee vs. Kentucky: Odds and Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Showdown
The Kentucky Wildcats face off against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Expected to be a thrilling matchup, both teams look to secure their spot in the next round.
The third-seeded Kentucky Wildcats will take on the second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers in an all-SEC Sweet 16 showdown in the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Friday. Kentucky is coming off an 84-75 victory over Illinois on Sunday, while Tennessee upset UCLA 67-58 in the second round.
Background
The Wildcats (24-11), with a remarkable history of 134-56 in NCAA tournaments, are looking for their first Final Four appearance since 2015. Meanwhile, the Volunteers (29-7), who have participated in 28 tournaments, are still seeking their first Final Four.
Match Details:
- Tipoff: 7:39 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
- This will mark the third contest this season between the rivals, with Kentucky having won both previous encounters.
- Current Odds: Tennessee is favored by 4.5 points, with the total points projected at 144.5.
Player Highlights
- Chaz Lanier has been a standout performer for Tennessee, scoring 29 points in the first-round matchup against Wofford.
- Zakai Zeigler also shone with a double-double against Wofford.
- For Kentucky, Otega Oweh led scoring with 15 points in their recent game against Illinois, and Koby Brea contributed significantly as well.
Prediction Insights
SportsLine’s model predictions favor an over on total points, estimating 152 combined points for the matchup.
