Mark Pope on Facing Tennessee for a Third Time: “It’s a Challenge, But We’re Ready”

As Kentucky prepares to face Tennessee for the third time this season, Wildcats head coach Mark Pope knows exactly what kind of battle awaits. The rivalry between the two programs has been one of the most intense in the SEC, and now, with the stakes even higher in the NCAA Tournament, Pope is embracing the challenge.

When asked about facing the Vols again, Pope acknowledged the difficulty of beating a team as talented and disciplined as Tennessee but made it clear that his team is up for the fight.

“It’s always tough playing a team for the third time,” Pope said. “They know us, we know them, and both teams are going to come in with a game plan. Tennessee is one of the best defensive teams in the country, and they’re extremely well-coached, so we know it’s going to be a war. But that’s what March is all about.”

Tennessee won the first two meetings of the season, but Kentucky has been playing some of its best basketball in the tournament. Pope believes that his team has learned from those previous matchups and will make the necessary adjustments.

“They got us twice, but this is a new game,” Pope said. “We’ve studied the film, and we know where we can be better. Our guys are locked in, and we’re excited for the opportunity.”

One of the biggest storylines heading into the matchup is how Kentucky will handle Tennessee’s physical defense. The Vols, led by SEC Player of the Year Dalton Knecht and defensive standout Zakai Zeigler, have been relentless in shutting down opposing offenses. In the previous meetings, Tennessee’s ability to pressure the ball and dominate the boards gave Kentucky problems.

For Pope, the key to success will be composure and execution.

“They’re going to be aggressive, and we have to match that intensity,” he said. “We need to take care of the basketball, make smart decisions, and find ways to create good shots. If we play our game and stay disciplined, we like our chances.”

On the other side, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has also spoken about the difficulty of beating a team three times in one season. With Kentucky’s deep roster and improved play in March, the Vols know they’ll need to bring their best effort.

For Kentucky fans, the prospect of finally getting a win over Tennessee in the biggest game of the season is a thrilling one. The Wildcats have improved in key areas, and Pope has done a strong job keeping his team focused on the bigger picture.

At the end of the day, this matchup is about more than just advancing in the tournament—it’s about pride, rivalry, and proving who belongs on college basketball’s biggest stage. Mark Pope and Kentucky are ready for the challenge, and come game time, all eyes will be on what promises to be another classic battle between the Wildcats and the Vols.