KSR Gameday: Tennessee Seeks Vengeance on Kentucky in Knoxville

Tennessee got molly-whopped, curb-stomped and smashed into oblivion the last time they shared a basketball court with the Kentucky Wildcats. Tonight they will try to pay back that pain in full when John Calipari’s team heads to Thompson-Boling Arena for a 9 pm ET Super Tuesday tip-off on ESPN.

In this humble writer’s opinion, the first matchup between these border rivals was one of the most beautiful basketball games these two eyes have ever seen in person. A glorious, dominant performance, it’s right up there with the 2015 team’s suffocating first half of defense against UCLA. Against Tennessee the 2022 Cats shot 67.9% from the field, made 11-of-18 three-pointers and 20-of-21 free throws to run away with a 107-79 victory. Need a refresher? Of course you do.

You’ll never believe this: Tennessee remembers that game much differently. The Vols are very much looking forward to putting that game in the past by giving Kentucky a taste of its own medicine.

“I think it’s really big. It’s huge for both programs,” said Josiah-Jordan James. “… The next game against Kentucky is the biggest game of our season.”

James isn’t wrong — this game is big for both programs. One of the most difficult challenges left on the schedule prior to the postseason, Kentucky has won two straight on Tennessee’s home turf. Tuesday night is a good night to extend that winning streak to three in Knoxville.

Kentucky has Injuries

It’s unclear what the roster will look like tonight, but it’s probably wise to plan on watching the Wildcats without TyTy Washington and Jacob Toppin in the lineup. Washington’s legs were crashed into against Florida, while Toppin is one week removed from rolling his ankle at South Carolina. Washington scored a career-high 28 points the last time these two teams met.

TV, Radio Info

ESPN has given this game the Duke-North Carolina treatment, promoting the Super Tuesday matchup for almost a week. Karl Ravech, Jimmy Dykes and Marty Smith will be on the mics for the Worldwide Leader. If you can’t watch it, you can listen in a variety of ways:

• AM: 840 WHAS, 630 WLAP
• FM: 98.1 WBUL
• Satellite: XM 84, Sirius 84, SXM App: 84
• Online: iHeart Radio

The KSR Pregame Show will tip-off at 6:30 pm ET on 630 WLAP and iHeart Radio. Can’t wait around all day? You can also hear some basketball chatter with Jack Pilgrim on Sources Say.

Vegas, KenPom Prediction

Kentucky is entering this matchup as a rare underdog. The line opened in Las Vegas with Tennessee -1 and a total of 140. It’s the first time the Wildcats have been underdogs since their 11-point win on the road at Alabama. Kentucky is 2-2 straight up and against the spread this year as road dogs. KenPom slightly differs from Vegas, giving the Wildcats a 52% chance to win and predicting a 71-70 Kentucky win.

Oscar Tshiebwe: Player of the Week

For just the second time this season, Oscar Tshiebwe is the SEC’s Player of the Week. The Kentucky big man had 27 points and 19 rebounds against Florida, his fifth game with at least 20 points and 15 boards this season, a feat that has not been accomplished by an SEC player in the last 25 years. Andy Katz also tipped his cap to the Big O, naming him the March Madness National Player of the Week.

Rick Pitino: Big Kentucky Fan

This is the best Kentucky team I’ve watched in years. They defend, unselfish, shoot and fundamentally sound at both ends. One of my five that could cut down the nets!! Gonzaga also – the other 3 I want to see more – one is located on the East Coast and it’s not Iona 🤦‍♂️😰

— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) February 15, 2022

Kentucky Women’s Basketball in Action

The third time’s the charm for Kentucky and Mississippi State. COVID-19 pauses have forced the two SEC foes to reschedule this game twice. Tonight the Bulldogs will finally travel to Memorial Coliseum, tipping off at 6 pm ET on SEC Network+.

Big AnnounceMINTZ!

Davion Mintz’s French Bulldog Ghost has signed the first-ever college basketball NIL deal for a dog! Ghost is the Official SpokesDog of Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic in Lexington. Ghost likes the team at Richmond Road Vet Clinic – turns out all 5 doctors are Kentucky natives and all of them are CATS fans!  Plus, they are open 7 days a week so his dad can still take him even with how busy his basketball schedule is. Let’s make Ghost famous! Check out how Ghost made his decision in this video!