Kentucky and Tennessee have a long history, but have found themselves going in different directions this season. The Wildcats are looking up deeper into SEC play and the Volunteers can't get control of their season.
SEC/Big 12 Let Downs
Both these teams suffered a let down in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, but Tennessee's hurt their resume a lot more than Kentucky's.
Tennessee traveled to TCU and looked comfortable early against the Horned Frogs, but lost their lead in the second and fell to a team that is 1-7 in league play.
Kentucky's loss to Kansas was the type that destroys the momentum they had building and hurts some spirits. The had a top 5 team where they wanted, now they have to question whether they can get over that hump.
Both these teams were capable of winning their games, and quite frankly, should have with how the games initially went. Execution late and foul trouble were these teams downfalls.
Use of Ulis
Kentucky's Tyler Ulis has been one of the best players in the country by most people's standards. This pesky point guard may be short, but he's huge for Kentucky.
He's become so huge due to his big jump in minutes from his freshmen year. The sophomore guard now averages over 35 minutes a game and played all 45 minutes in Kentucky's overtime game with Kansas.
To see constant production from legs that have to be tired after going for so long every game is beyond amazing. The things Ulis is capable of doing is almost nonhuman.
Kentucky's John Calipari said he's trying to put Ulis on the bench more often as of late. Despite Ulis begging him to stay in game Calipari wants to discipline the use of his star point guard.
With the addition of Dominique Hawkins back into the rotation after suffering a high ankle sprain a month ago, the Wildcats can use the junior as Ulis' substitute.
Hawkins can hardly match the production offensively that Ulis brings, but he can hold off teams better than Jamal Murray, Isaiah Briscoe, and Charles Matthews could as a super young back court.
Rekindling a Rivalry
It's safe to say this rivalry lies mostly on the football field. But don't get it twisted, these two teams share no love on the hardwood.
In recent years, this rivalry has lost the lust it once had. Fans don't get excited over it and it might be because of the new standard in Kentucky.
The Wildcats love big wins. They expect to beat teams under .500 and Tennessee is just that. It's not about getting bragging rights over an SEC team anymore, it's about getting wins to help your case on Selection Sunday.
These two teams used to have huge games in the past and it was heated from start to finish. It's becoming another SEC game for the teams, and some exciting matches need to restart the rivalry between these two.
Too much history is in this rivalry to let it just be another game. This will be the 219th meeting between the two schools, they need some fire to light this candle again.
Players to Watch
Jamal Murray- Murray hasn't had a crazy game in a while, and Kentucky likes to utilize their shooters when they face Tennessee. Murray's shots will be falling from the outside to while getting open looks from his teammates.
Armani Moore- Moore realizes the importance of this rivalry than his younger teammates and has been around to experience it. Expect a big game from the senior to try and down the Wildcats.