Tennessee Is Surging, Kentucky Is Rolling - Now Comes the Rematch at Rupp
Since falling to Kentucky back on January 17, Tennessee has looked like a team on a mission. The Volunteers have rattled off four straight wins, and perhaps more importantly, they’ve found a rising star in freshman forward Nate Ament.
The numbers speak for themselves: after scoring 22 or more points just twice in his first 18 college games, Ament has now hit that mark in three of his last four outings. His 29-point explosion in a 79-73 win at Alabama on January 24 was a breakout performance - and a warning shot to the rest of the SEC.
Tennessee is evolving, and Kentucky head coach Mark Pope sees it.
“They are evolving, for sure,” Pope said. “Rick does this through the season.
He kind of adds to the playlist as they go. So they've opened up the playbook a little bit.”
That’s classic Rick Barnes - methodical growth over the course of the season, building a team that’s tougher and more dynamic by the time February rolls around. But while Tennessee may be tweaking the playbook, the foundation hasn’t changed. This is still a team that thrives on toughness, physical defense, and dominating the offensive glass.
“Tennessee is always going to be Tennessee,” Pope added. “Hard-nosed.
Best offensive rebounding team in the country. Really, really hard-nosed.
Hang their hat on the defensive end, and their physicality, and their ruggedness.”
That identity will be put to the test tonight at Rupp Arena, where Kentucky enters having won seven of its last eight games. The Wildcats are 16-7 overall and 7-3 in SEC play, and they’ve been finding their rhythm after some early-season ups and downs. From a 94-78 win over Oklahoma to a gritty 85-77 road victory at Arkansas, this team has shown it can win in multiple ways - fast-paced shootouts or grind-it-out battles.
Now comes the rematch. Kentucky took the first meeting in Knoxville, edging Tennessee 80-78 in a game that went down to the wire.
The Vols will be looking for payback, and they’ve certainly got the momentum to make it happen. But Rupp Arena is never an easy place to play, especially when the stakes are high and the crowd is dialed in.
Tipoff Details
- Game: Kentucky vs. Tennessee
- Date: Wednesday, February 7
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
ET
- Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Season Snapshot: Kentucky’s 2025-26 Journey So Far
Kentucky has had its share of statement wins and head-scratching losses this season. A dominant 107-59 showing against Valparaiso.
A tough road loss to Louisville. A blowout defeat at the hands of Gonzaga.
But the team has bounced back with resilience.
Since their last meeting with Tennessee, the Wildcats have continued to build momentum. Wins over Texas, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma have helped solidify their standing in the SEC. Their only stumble in that stretch came in a surprising 80-55 loss at Vanderbilt - a reminder that consistency is still a work in progress.
Remaining Schedule Highlights for Kentucky:
- Feb. 14: at Florida
- Feb. 17: vs.
Georgia
- Feb. 21: at Auburn
- Feb. 24: at South Carolina
- Feb. 28: vs.
Vanderbilt
- March 3: at Texas A&M
- March 7: vs. Florida
It’s a critical stretch for Kentucky, and tonight’s game could be a tone-setter heading into the final month of the regular season.
Vegas Says It’s a Toss-Up
The oddsmakers have this one pegged as a near coin flip. Kentucky is a slight 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 145.5.
KenPom’s analytics have the Wildcats edging it out 73-72. That’s about as tight as it gets.
Prediction: Kentucky 75, Tennessee 71
Expect a battle. Tennessee will come out with energy, fueled by the sting of that two-point loss in Knoxville.
Nate Ament’s emergence gives the Vols a go-to scorer who can stretch defenses and make big shots late. But Kentucky has been here before.
They’ve won close ones, they’ve handled pressure, and tonight, they’ll have a little extra juice.
The Wildcats will be wearing their iconic denim jerseys - a tribute to the 1995-96 national championship team, whose members will be in the building. That history, that atmosphere, and that edge could be just enough to push Kentucky across the finish line.
One thing’s for sure: this one’s going to be fun.