Tennessee vs. Kentucky: Can Mark Pope’s Wildcats beat the Vols for a third time this year?

Tennessee vs. Kentucky: Can Mark Pope’s Wildcats Beat the Vols for a Third Time This Year?

In the Southeastern Conference (SEC), few rivalries are as storied and heated as the one between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats. Both teams have built rich traditions and passionate fan bases, with numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, conference titles, and some of the most dramatic games in college basketball history. As these two titans of the SEC gear up for another showdown, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats can do the unthinkable: beat Tennessee for a third time in a single season.

This article will explore the current state of both teams, analyze key players, tactics, and trends that have shaped the rivalry this year, and ultimately try to answer the big question — can Kentucky overcome Tennessee once again? Let’s dive into the nuances of this fierce rivalry and break down what is at stake.

The Rivalry: A Storied History

The rivalry between Tennessee and Kentucky isn’t just about this season—it’s one that has been built over decades of competition. Both programs have historically been at the top of the SEC, with Kentucky often seen as the gold standard in college basketball, and Tennessee emerging as a competitive force in recent years under head coach Rick Barnes.

In terms of overall success, Kentucky has historically dominated the series, but Tennessee has been a thorn in Kentucky’s side in recent years. The Vols’ rise to prominence in the SEC, particularly with the 2018-2019 team, made this rivalry more intense. However, the Wildcats have always been a formidable opponent, and their dominance in the league, both in regular-season matchups and SEC Tournament play, makes them a natural adversary for the Volunteers.

In 2025, Kentucky finds itself in an unfamiliar position, with a talented roster under Mark Pope, struggling to navigate some of the toughest challenges within the SEC. Can the Wildcats earn their third victory over the Vols in a single season? To understand this, let’s look at both teams in more detail.

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats: A Season of Challenges

Mark Pope, who took over the Kentucky Wildcats’ head coaching role after a successful stint at Utah Valley, has faced several challenges in his first few seasons in Lexington. While Kentucky has always attracted top-tier talent, Pope’s tenure has not been without its growing pains. The Wildcats are often seen as an elite team, but they have failed to meet expectations in several crucial games. This has led to growing pressure on Pope to secure big wins, particularly against rivals like Tennessee.

This season, Pope’s Wildcats have shown flashes of brilliance but have been inconsistent. Kentucky’s record against top-tier teams has been a bit spotty, but their performances against Tennessee have been one of the highlights of their year. Mark Pope’s squad has won two out of two matchups against the Vols so far in 2025, which is a significant achievement. The fact that Kentucky has beaten Tennessee not once but twice in the same season speaks volumes about the Wildcats’ ability to rise to the occasion.

Key Players for Kentucky:

The Wildcats’ success this season can be attributed to several key players who have performed at a high level. Here are a few to keep an eye on in the upcoming match:

1. Oscar Tshiebwe – The reigning SEC Player of the Year, Tshiebwe is the heart and soul of the Wildcats. His ability to control the boards, finish inside, and even stretch his game to the perimeter gives Kentucky a unique edge. Tshiebwe’s presence in the paint has been critical to Kentucky’s success, especially in their victories over Tennessee this season.
2. CJ Frederick – Known for his shooting, Frederick has been a consistent threat from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor is key to opening up space for Kentucky’s post players like Tshiebwe and freshman Chris Livingston. Frederick’s outside shooting will be crucial in breaking down Tennessee’s defense.
3. Chris Livingston – A highly touted freshman who has been coming into his own as the season progresses, Livingston has shown glimpses of being a future star. His athleticism and versatility make him a matchup nightmare, and his ability to contribute in multiple areas will be important for Kentucky in any game, but especially against a team like Tennessee.
4. Antonio Reeves – A guard who brings scoring and leadership to the table, Reeves has the ability to take over games. His knack for making clutch shots and running the offense could be a deciding factor in Kentucky’s success against Tennessee for a third time.

With these players leading the charge, the Wildcats have enough firepower to cause problems for Tennessee. However, success against the Vols won’t be automatic. Kentucky will need to execute at a high level and be prepared for a fierce challenge from a talented Tennessee team.

Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers: The Road to Redemption

On the other side of the equation, Rick Barnes has led Tennessee to impressive heights over the past few years. The Vols have consistently been one of the best teams in the SEC, and their defensive prowess has made them one of the most difficult teams to face in the league. However, this season, Tennessee has faced some bumps along the way, particularly in their matchups with Kentucky. Having lost twice to the Wildcats already, Tennessee is hungry for revenge and will likely bring their best effort in the third meeting.

Key Players for Tennessee:

Tennessee’s roster is stacked with talent, and their ability to play tough, physical defense has been one of their trademarks under Rick Barnes. Here are a few players who could make a difference in the matchup:

1. Zakai Zeigler – The sophomore guard has been one of the top performers for the Vols this season. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to score, Zeigler can control the tempo of a game and disrupt opposing offenses. His matchup with Kentucky’s guards will be one of the key storylines in the game.
2. Santiago Vescovi – One of the best shooters in the SEC, Vescovi has been Tennessee’s go-to guy from the perimeter. He is dangerous beyond the arc and can also facilitate for others. Vescovi’s ability to stretch the floor and score efficiently will be crucial if Tennessee hopes to overcome Kentucky’s size advantage.
3. Olivier Nkamhoua – The 6’9” forward has been a force in the paint for Tennessee, both as a scorer and rebounder. His physicality and ability to finish at the rim will be essential in trying to neutralize Tshiebwe and Kentucky’s interior presence.
4. Julian Phillips – A highly regarded freshman forward, Phillips has been a key contributor for the Vols this season. His athleticism and ability to score in various ways make him a tough matchup for any opponent. If Phillips can find success in the open floor and contribute to Tennessee’s offensive attack, it could tip the scales in the Vols’ favor.

Tennessee’s strength lies in their defense and their ability to play a team-oriented game. If they can match Kentucky’s intensity and overcome the Wildcats’ offensive weapons, they have a great chance to avenge their previous losses and make it a competitive contest.

The Tactical Battle: Key Matchups and Game Plans

In terms of tactics, there are several key matchups that will determine the outcome of this game. First, let’s look at how Kentucky has been able to secure victories over Tennessee in the previous two games:

1. Tennessee’s Struggles in the Paint: Kentucky has been able to exploit Tennessee’s relatively weaker interior defense. Tshiebwe has had big games in the paint against Tennessee, and the Vols’ defense has struggled to keep Kentucky’s big men from dominating the boards. If Kentucky can continue to control the glass and finish at the rim, they will have an advantage.
2. Kentucky’s Outside Shooting: While Kentucky has had some ups and downs from beyond the arc, their shooting ability, especially from players like Frederick, has been key in their victories over Tennessee. Stretching the floor forces Tennessee’s defense to scramble, opening up lanes for Tshiebwe and other players to attack the rim.
3. Tennessee’s Defense: Tennessee’s defense has been one of the best in the country this season. However, against Kentucky, they have struggled with the Wildcats’ size and physicality. The Vols will need to tighten up their interior defense and prevent Kentucky from getting easy baskets. Additionally, Zeigler and Vescovi must be able to apply consistent pressure on Kentucky’s guards and force turnovers.
4. Pace of Play: Kentucky thrives in up-tempo games, where they can exploit their athleticism and size advantage. Tennessee, on the other hand, prefers a more methodical, half-court style of play. The team that can dictate the tempo and control the pace will likely have the upper hand.

Can Mark Pope’s Wildcats Beat the Vols Again?

With both teams having something to prove, the upcoming matchup between Tennessee and Kentucky promises to be one for the ages. Kentucky has already bested Tennessee twice this season, but can they make it a third victory?

The Wildcats have the talent, the experience, and the momentum on their side. Mark Pope’s ability to get his players to perform in big moments will be crucial, and Kentucky’s big men, led by Tshiebwe, will be the key to controlling the game. However, Tennessee is a proud program with elite defensive players, and Rick Barnes is not one to let his team get swept by a rival.

The third game between these two teams could go either way. Kentucky’s size, talent, and shooting could once again prove to be too much for Tennessee, but if the Vols can improve their defensive consistency, manage the tempo, and get big performances from their key players, they could very well turn the tide and exact some revenge.

In the end, the outcome of this game will likely come down to which team executes better on both ends of the floor. While Kentucky’s recent victories over Tennessee give them a slight edge, this rivalry is never predictable, and both teams will leave everything on the court. Whether Mark Pope’s Wildcats can make it a third victory over the Vols remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the SEC will be watching closely.