The upcoming Sweet 16 matchup in the 2025 NCAA Tournament features a highly anticipated clash between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats, both seeking to advance further in their tournament journey.

Matchup Details:

• Date: March 28, 2025
• Time: 7:39 PM ET
• Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Kentucky enters this matchup as 4.5-point favorites. The total points scored in this game is set at 144.5 according to the latest SportsLine odds. This will be the first NCAA Tournament meeting between these two storied programs, despite having faced each other 241 times in the past.

Tennessee’s Edge

Tennessee aims to seek revenge after losing both regular-season meetings. Their defense has been particularly strong, and they have proven successful against strong opponents in recent rounds, setting the stage for an interesting showdown.

Key Players:

• Chaz Lanier, who scored 20 points in the last game, will be crucial against Kentucky’s tough defense.

Kentucky’s Strength

Kentucky has shown formidable prowess against Tennessee in their past encounters. The Wildcats enjoyed a 75-point win in their most recent match, showcasing their offensive capabilities and team synergy.

Recent Form:

• Kentucky defeated Illinois in a notable performance, demonstrating their readiness to tackle Tennessee next.

Expert Prediction:
Thomas Casale’s insights suggest a strong lean towards the Over on total points, with one crucial factor swinging the spread in Kentucky’s favor. Make sure to check back on SportsLine for updated picks from Casale.

Betting Odds Summary:

• Tennessee vs. Kentucky Spread: Tennessee -4.5
• Total Points: 144.5
• Moneyline: Tennessee -207, Kentucky +171
• Trends: Tennessee is 4-1 against the spread in the last five Friday games.

For those following the tournament closely, this matchup promises to be intense and pivotal for both squads.