Kentucky 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 and Kentucky beat Illinois 84-75 on Sunday to advance beyond the NCAA Tournament’s opening weekend for the first time since they 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 on Friday in Indianapolis. The Wildcats have already beaten the Volunteers twice this season.
“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.