Another chapter between two arch-rivals is set to unfold, and it may shake up the landscape of the 2025-26 collegiate hoops season. On Thursday, Jan. 22, coach Kenny Brooks’ Kentucky Wildcats will face coach Kim Caldwell’s Tennessee Lady Volunteers in the latter’s home arena, the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Both squads are sitting atop the higher echelon of the SEC standings, and whoever wins tonight may determine how the rest of conference play will look. The Lady Volunteers are currently undefeated in the SEC with a 5-0 record, which accumulates to their overall record of 13-3. For the Kentucky-based program, they are at a 17-3 record (4-2 SEC).
Prediction
The fact that the game between the Wildcats and the Volunteers will be played on the latter’s home court provides Tennessee with a significant advantage. While home advantages are usually the norm, it is amplified this time around, especially since the two programs are established rivals. Thus, Kentucky will have to show great composure during this matchup.
Whatever the case may be, though, it is likely that the Volunteers will win against the Wildcats due to their high-intensity, fast-paced style of play. Coupling that trait with the crowd rallying behind them, it’ll be extra difficult for the Wildcats to win. Also, Kentucky will be playing without a couple of its rotation pieces.
Lineups
Kentucky Wildcats Starting Lineup
PG: Asia Boone
SG: Tonie Morgan
SF: Jordan Obi
PF: Amelia Hassett
C: Clara Strack
Tennessee Lady Volunteers Starting Lineup
PG: Mia Pauldo
SG: Talaysia Cooper
SF: Jaida Civil
PF: Janiah Barker
C: Lazaria Spearman
Injuries
As of writing, Kentucky forward Teonni Key, who is one of the standout players for the Wildcats, will not play against the Volunteers. She is still dealing with a dislocated right shoulder she suffered on Jan. 4 against the Missouri Tigers. Still, Key is expected to return sometime this year, as coach Brooks remains positive about her recovery. For the rest of the Wildcats, they are all available.
Meanwhile, Volunteers stalwart Janiah Barker remains doubtful to play against Kentucky. While she is not yet listed as being out, she likely won’t log minutes against the Wildcats. The senior left her team’s most recent game against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Jan. 19 in the fourth quarter after being hit inadvertently on the face. There has not been any report on any other Lady Volunteer being out.
Read More: Kim Caldwell’s $1M Contract Puts Her on the Path to Join Dawn Staley in WBB’s Elite Tier
Also Read: ‘I Will Forever Be Grateful’ — HC Kim Caldwell Graciously Thanks Tennessee Lady Vols After Elite Eight Exit
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