That matchup between the Wildcats and Trojans will be the first time Mark Pope coaches UK in an NCAA Tournament setting. Pope, who famously won the 1996 national title at UK as a player, is also looking to achieve a personal milestone with Friday’s contest.

With Kentucky hosting the First and Second Rounds, the Wildcats are eager to make the most of their opportunity. Playing in front of a home crowd at Historic Memorial Coliseum gives them a major advantage as they aim to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.