Feel the buzz? Kentucky is back in the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend for the first time in six years, set to face bitter rival Tennessee in the Sweet 16 on March 28, 2025.
Big Blue Nation (BBN) last danced this far in 2019, falling 77-71 in overtime to Auburn. Now, another SEC foe stands in the way. With a 2-2 record against current SEC teams in NCAA Tournament history, can the Cats notch a third win and keep Knoxville quiet?
Here’s how Kentucky has fared against SEC teams in March Madness, updated to March 26, 2025.
Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament Clashes vs. SEC Teams
Kentucky has played 189 NCAA Tournament games, winning 134—tied with North Carolina for the most all-time. But only four of those matchups have come against teams that are now in the SEC.
March 25, 1978: Kentucky 64, Arkansas 59 (Final Four)
A gritty win over an Arkansas squad that was then in the Southwest Conference. James Lee’s clutch free throws sealed the victory—BBN’s first NCAA Tournament win over a future SEC opponent.
March 20, 1986: Kentucky 68, Alabama 63 (Sweet 16)
The Cats edged Alabama in a thriller, fueled by Winston Bennett’s 18 points. At this point, Kentucky was 2-0 in NCAA games against SEC teams—firmly owning the conference.
SEC Stumbles in March
Then came the heartbreakers.
March 22, 1986: LSU 59, Kentucky 57 (Elite Eight)
Just two days after beating Alabama, Kentucky’s Final Four dreams were dashed. LSU’s John Williams hit a jumper in the closing seconds to stun the Cats, handing them their first NCAA Tournament loss to an SEC foe.
March 31, 2019: Auburn 77, Kentucky 71 (Elite Eight, OT)
Fast forward 33 years—another brutal ending. Auburn’s Jared Harper torched Kentucky in overtime, stopping a Final Four run in its tracks. This loss evened Kentucky’s NCAA record against SEC teams at 2-2.
Tennessee Showdown Looms
Now, No. 3 Kentucky (24-11) faces No. 2 Tennessee (29-7) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Tipoff is set for 7:39 PM ET on TBS.
The Cats are 5-0 as underdogs against the Vols since 2023, according to On3, and enter as +4.5 underdogs on FanDuel. A third win this season—and a third over an SEC opponent in NCAA history—could silence Rick Barnes’ squad and their orange-clad faithful.
Conclusion
Kentucky’s 2-2 NCAA Tournament record against SEC teams has been a rollercoaster of thrilling wins and gut-wrenching losses. Against Tennessee, BBN is craving another triumph—one that could tip the scales in this historic rivalry.
Tune in on March 28—can the Cats claw past the Vols?