Kentucky vs Tennessee Odds, Prediction and Sweet 16 Picks March 28

With a record 14 SEC teams in this year’s March Madness bracket, it’s hard to believe the matchup between Kentucky and Tennessee in the Sweet 16 is the first clash between SEC programs.

Kentucky swept the season series with an 11-point at home and a five-point victory in Knoxville. Can the Wildcats do it again with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line?

This one was sweet.

📰🔗 – https://t.co/oYAlxatCjc pic.twitter.com/0B19kzPRI1

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 24, 2025

This is the second year in a row that Tennessee is the higher seed in a 2 vs 3 matchup in the March Madness bracket. The Volunteers topped Creighton 82-75 when listed by the BetUS sportsbook as a 3.5-point favorite to reach the Midwest Regional final.

The March Madness winner odds list Tennessee as the 4-point favorite with -200 odds to win outright. Kentucky has +170 odds to advance to the Elite Eight under first-year coach Mark Pope.

Tennessee is at +1600 in the March Madness bets. Kentucky comes in at +5000 in the championship odds. The college basketball odds have the Volunteers at +230 in the Midwest Region title odds.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Prediction Today, March 28

My Prediction

Tennessee 72, Kentucky 70

Neither Kentucky nor Tennessee has trailed in the second half in either of its first two games in the NCAA tournament and something will have to give in this regional semifinal.

The early money has been coming in almost equally on both sides so keep that in mind when making expert NCAAB picks.

Top 3 Kentucky vs Tennessee Betting Picks

My Top Picks

• Kentucky (+4) vs Tennessee
• Kentucky vs Tennessee Under 144
• Kentucky vs Tennessee best player prop bet: Kentucky forward Amari Williams 9+ rebounds (+112)

My Analysis

This should be a fun one. In the most recent meeting, Kentucky jumped out to a 6-0 lead and led by seven points by halftime as Tennessee was only 3 of 18 on 3-pointers. A Chaz Lanier 3-pointer gave Tennessee a three-point advantage in the first matchup before the Wildcats took control.

It is hard to overlook Kentucky’s 8-4 record against the college basketball spread as an underdog this season so go with Kentucky to cover even though I like the Volunteers to survive and advance. Tennessee would be smart to take control because Otega Oweh can be tough to handle late with a game on the line.

Per NCAA betting trends, Tennessee had more games land under the total than any other SEC team. These teams know each other so well that it might be tough for the offenses to get going.

That is something to consider when making March Madness NCAA predictions.

Kentucky vs Tennessee March Madness Best Prop Bet

Chaz Lanier is averaging 24.5 points in the NCAA tournament and is 10 of 18 from 3-point range.

“It’s win or go home time now.” @Vol_Hoops Chaz Lanier’s episode of the Everything Orange podcast drops Thursday!

Listen & Subscribe → https://t.co/KHkXVu7b42 pic.twitter.com/bH5KKWwtqw

— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) March 26, 2025

Despite going 8-of-27 from the field and 3 of 17 from 3-point range against Kentucky in the two regular-season games, take the -113 odds for Lanier to go over 18.5 points as a tempting March Madness expert pick.

Kentucky vs Tennessee How To Watch

• Game: Kentucky (24-11) vs Tennessee (29-7)
• Date/Time: Friday, Mar. 28, 7:39 p.m. ET
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
• Kentucky vs Tennessee Live Stream: TBS/truTV

Check here for Kentucky vs Tennessee stats.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.