KNOXVILLE – Rick Barnes said Monday that Kentucky has “improved since we last played them,” a 77-64 win by the Wildcats over Barnes’ Tennessee team on Feb. 8.
But it’s also fair to believe that the Volunteers have as well, and it will be a much different Tennessee team than the one that took the Thompson-Boling Arena court that day.
For one, the personnel will be different. Freshman Josiah-Jordan James didn’t play that day due to a lower-body injury but is coming off one of his best games in Saturday’s 63-58 win over Florida, with 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal. Secondly, the Vols built confidence off that win, as they had been knocking on the door of a big win all season but unable to break down the door.
And now, a trip to Rupp Arena awaits, with tipoff at 9 Tuesday night in a game that will be televised on ESPN.
“I think Kentucky is the most underrated and under-appreciated team in the country right now,” Barnes said Monday during his weekly news conference. “I think them and Kansas are the two best teams in the country. (The Wildcats) haven’t lost since their game at Auburn, and Kansas I don’t think has lost since their game at home against Baylor. Right now, those are the two best teams in college basketball.