Friday Headlines: Kentucky vs. Troy and Liberty Gameday

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round Practice - Milwaukee — Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

It’s a big day for Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball.

Kentucky Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball both begin their journey for a national championship today in their respective regions.

First, Kenny Brooks and the women will take on Liberty in a favorable atmosphere at Historic Memorial Coliseum. The No. 4 seed Wildcats finished the season 22-7 (14-2 in Southeastern Conference play), with Brooks being recognized as the Sporting News National Coach of the Year.

According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, Kentucky has a whopping 93.8% chance to win. Their game will tip off at Noon ET on ESPN, and if the Wildcats can pull out the victory, they’ll face the winner of Kansas St. and Fairfield on Sunday.

Game time is set for 12 PM ET on ESPN.

Later tonight, Mark Pope and the men will face Troy in Milwaukee. The No. 3 seed Wildcats finished their season with a 22-11 record (10-8 in SEC play) and put together 11 quad one wins.

Like the women, the men are — according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index — considered heavy favorites with an 88.9% chance to win. Lamont Butler is expected to start and his backup, Travis Perry, has also declared himself healthy for the team’s postseason run.

Tip-off for tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET on CBS. If the Wildcats win, they’ll advance to face off against one of Illinois and Xavier.