With the stakes higher than ever, the Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up for a second-round showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the SEC Tournament. The Cats, coming off a first-round bye, are ready to pounce on an Oklahoma team that narrowly escaped Georgia with an 81-75 victory. The prize? A ticket to the conference quarterfinals against 3-seeded Alabama.
Matchup: Kentucky Wildcats (21-10, 10-8 SEC) vs. Ole Miss Rebels (20-12, 6-12 SEC)
Date & Time: Scheduled for 9:30 PM EST
Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN.
How to Watch:
SEC Network: This game will be broadcast live on the SEC Network
Cable/Satellite: Check your local listings, SEC is usually part of basic sports packages. Channel 404 on DISH and channel 611 on Directv.
Streaming Services:
Hulu + Live TV: Offers SEC Network in its channel lineup.
ESPN+: If you're an ESPN+ subscriber, you can watch the game directly through the service, or if your TV provider is one who chooses to give access to ESPN.
YouTube TV: Includes SEC Network in its core package.
Sling TV: Their Orange plan includes SEC Network
FuboTV: Another option for streaming SEC Network with a focus on sports coverage.
Radio Coverage
UK Sports Network:For those who prefer the radio experience:
Online: Stream live at wsgs.com or through iHeartRadio's WLAP station.
FM Radio Stations:
Lexington, KY: 98.1 FM / 630 WLAP
London, KY:103.9 FM WWEL
Louisville, KY:840 AM WHAS
Madisonville, KY: 93.9 FM WKTG
Hazard/Pikeville, KY: 101.1 WSGS
What Kentucky Basketball Must Do to Beat Oklahoma Again
- Pressure Jeremiah Fears:
In the previous matchup, Jeremiah Fears was electric, pouring in 18 points and dishing 8 assistss. His ability to penetrate and finish around the rim kept the Sooners in the game. Kentucky must limit his touches and force him into tough shots, especially with Robinson sidelined. - Win the Rebounding Battle:
Oklahoma edged out Kentucky on the boards 34-31 in their last clash. Kentucky can’t afford to lose that battle again. Andrew Carr and Amari Williams must crash the glass hard, especially on the defensive end, to prevent Oklahoma from getting easy second-chance points. - Contain Brycen Goodine:
Goodine's 13 points, including four threes, were instrumental in keeping the Sooners close. Kentucky must close out on him quickly and contest every shot, particularly from deep. - Efficient Shooting:
The Wildcats shot an impressive 50% from the field last time around but could only muster 30% from beyond the arc. They need better accuracy from downtown, particularly from Collin Chandler and Travis Perry off the bench. - Limit Turnovers:
Kentucky committed 13 turnovers in their previous meeting. Against a scrappy Sooners squad, those mistakes could easily turn into quick transition points. Playing clean, efficient basketball is non-negotiable.
Prediction
This matchup feels tailor-made for Kentucky to take control The Wildcats’ defense was as dialed in as it had been all season in the win over Missouri. Expect them to key in on Jeremiah Fears and disrupt the Sooners’ offensive rhythm. Kentucky’s size, depth, and ability to score inside should be enough to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Final Score Prediction: Kentucky 84, Oklahoma 76.
Key Players to Watch:
- Kentucky: Andrew Carr, Amari Williams, Lamont Butler
- Oklahoma: Jeremiah Fears, Brycen Goodine, Jalon Moore
The road to the SEC title starts now. Can the Wildcats keep their championship hopes alive and win the SEC tournament for the first time since 2022? We’re about to find out.