Big Orange vs Big Blue in Big Dance

Nothing like sprinklin’ some March Madness on a college basketball rivalry.
Big Orange. Big Blue. Big Dance.
Tennessee and Kentucky meet for the third time this season in the Sweet 16.
Vols hoping they’ll snag their first win of the year over their SEC rival.

Reporter:”Weird or strange to be this deep in the tournament and be preparing for a team that you’ve played twice already this season?”
Said head coach Rick Barnes:”I’ve always thought about it as just the next game. Been a month or so since we last played Kentucky. I think it would be different if it was a week ago maybe in the SEC tournament. It is what it is. This time of year it doesn’t matter.”
Reporter:”Would you rather this time of year play a team that you are very familiar with or really don’t know?”
Said Barnes:”It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter.”
Said forward Igor Milicic:”We really can’t say that it is easier. This being a rivalry that makes us want it more. I feel like that’s the positive in this. We are seeking revenge for sure.”
For the revenge of the Big Orange to occur, they’ll have to defend Kentucky’s three-point attack better.
Said Barnes:”Well again I think you give them credit. One they made the shots. There’s no question. They’re a team that’s capable of making tough shots. We did have some breakdowns that let them get going.”
The Vols hope Chaz Lanier can stay red hot in the Big Dance. In his two tournament games, Lanier is averaging 24.5 points, and he has made 10 of 18 three-pointers.
Said Barnes:”He went through a learning year in what is arguably the greatest college basketball league ever against physical guys. Terrific coaches. Players that know how to guard people. How to change things up. He had to learn it on the run, and he has done that.”
Only fitting that Lanier and Tennessee are battling another tough SEC team in the Sweet 16.
Said Milicic:”Kentucky-Tennessee is going to be. It’s going to be great. I really can’t wait.”