MILWAUKEE — The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team is joining its former coach in the Sweet 16.
The Wildcats believe they have their new coach to thank for it.
Koby Brea matched a career high with 23 points as Kentucky beat Illinois 84-75 on Sunday to advance beyond the NCAA tournament’s opening weekend for the first time since the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight in 2019.
Kentucky (24-11), the No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region, faces No. 2 seed and Southeastern Conference rival Tennessee (29-7) at 7:39 p.m. Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, with TBS and truTV televising the matchup. The Wildcats have already beaten the Volunteers twice this season, but this will be the first time the programs ever face off as part of March Madness.
“Who knows where we’re going to go from here, but this group, what a blessing to be around this group,” coach Mark Pope said.