Kentucky Hosts Tennessee in Crucial Top-15 Showdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The No. 15 University of Kentucky women’s basketball team is set to host No. 11 Tennessee on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. ET in Historic Memorial Coliseum. This game marks Kentucky’s final regular-season home game of the 2024-25 season and promises an exciting clash between two ranked rivals.

In a show of appreciation for fan support, UK encourages attendees to participate in its annual fandemonium night, with prizes including a television, a Bluetooth speaker, and Nike UK merchandise. Additionally, season ticket holders with the highest attendance percentages will receive a special Kenny Brooks bobblehead giveaway, with details provided in emails sent this week.

The game will feature halftime entertainment from The Amazing Sladek. While the Kentucky-Tennessee game is sold out, a limited number of tickets remain available for UK students and faculty. Fans can catch the radio call from Darren Headrick on 630 AM WLAP in Lexington and 790 AM WKRD in Louisville, while the game will be broadcast on SEC Network with Sam Gore and Tamika Catchings on the call.

Entering the game, UK boasts a record of 21-5 overall and 10-4 in the Southeastern Conference, making them fourth in the league standings. They hope to maintain their chances for a double bye in the SEC Tournament as they face a challenging stretch against three ranked opponents, including the Lady Volunteers, who also stand at a strong 21-6 overall.

Kentucky fell to No. 7 LSU 65-58 last Sunday, a game where they led for over 24 minutes but ultimately succumbed to the Tigers. Redshirt senior guard Dazia Lawrence reached a milestone, surpassing 1,500 career points, while sophomore center Clara Strack came close to tying the individual single-season block record with 65 blocks so far this season.

The Wildcats have a historic rivalry with Tennessee, having played 78 times since their first meeting in 1976. Kentucky trails the overall series 61-16, including a disappointing home record of 10-23 against the Lady Vols. Their last victory against Tennessee came in the SEC Tournament Semifinals on March 5, 2022, with a score of 83-74.

Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell noted the importance of the matchup, particularly with postseason seeding still undecided. “This game matters for us. It matters for them,” Caldwell said, reflecting on the intensity and significance of upcoming contests.

To secure a potential NCAA Tournament host site, a win for Tennessee would greatly enhance their standing. Caldwell emphasized that her team is gaining momentum and learning to stay focused, particularly during third quarters, an area they have recently improved.

Kentucky’s roster showcases the talent of point guard Georgia Amoore, regarded as one of the best in the nation for her ability to create opportunities for her teammates. Caldwell praised her efficiency and impact on the Wildcats’ offense. Amoore leads the team with 18.9 points per game and has tallied 182 assists this season.

With both teams eager for a win, Caldwell remains cautious about rebounding, having identified it as a critical factor against Kentucky’s size. She expressed that the Lady Vols need to avoid foul trouble, as key players cannot afford to miss time on the court, particularly early in the game.

The atmosphere is expected to be electric in Memorial Coliseum, as fans have been encouraged to wear blue to support the Wildcats. Both teams’ histories and rankings set the stage for a thrilling encounter in front of a sold-out crowd.

For more information, visit UKathletics.com or follow @KentuckyWBB on social media platforms.