INDIANAPOLIS— The field is down to 16, and Kentucky Men's Basketball has left Milwaukee behind for Indianapolis. The Wildcats are facing Tennessee for the third time this season and for the first time in the NCAA Tournament.

The team is already getting a feel for the court ahead of the game on Friday, March 28. The Wildcats had an early start on Thursday, with practice at 10 a.m.

“In our first experience in here this morning, the background kind of fades away, so it feels a lot more intimate, maybe than it is. I think it’s an incredible venue,” said Mark Pope, UK head coach.

Even with the Volunteers sporting the best defense in the country, the Wildcats came out of their first two meetings with a win.

“It’s one of the top teams in the country. It’s the best defensive team in the country,” Pope said.

In his first season as head coach, Pope has brought the Wildcats to their 28th Sweet 16 appearance. 

“I think, mostly, this is a free-standing game,” Pope said.

The Wildcats are 24-11 this season and hold the nation’s all-time best winning percentage.

“Tennessee is obviously a really good opponent, so got to give them their respect. And you know we’re coming into this game with the same mentality that we came into the first two,” said Kody Brea, UK guard.

“Continue to contest every shot and make every shot tough. That’s what we were able to do the first two matchups, and that’s what we’re going to be looking to do again on Friday,” said Andrew Carr, UK forward.

A third win over Tennessee would propel the Wildcats into the Elite Eight. 

“It’s a cool feeling playing in a stadium. I never played in a football stadium before. Definitely just want to win,” said Otega Oweh, UK guard.

Tennessee boasts a 29-7 record, the best field-goal defending defense in the country.

“Adversity is a gift," Pope said. 

The Wildcats unwrap that gift on Friday at 7:39 p.m.