The rivalry between the University of Tennessee and the University of Kentucky basketball programs is one of the most intense in college sports. This rivalry has spanned decades and features two of the conference's most successful teams.

Kentucky’s basketball has a tradition of hard work and high chances at national championships, a list of legendary coaches, and a passionate fan base for over one hundred years. Kentucky consistently contends for SEC titles and NCAA Tournament spots. Their success on the court has made them one of the most recognizable teams in the nation.

Tennessee's program is a major force in the SEC, especially under recent coaches and their leadership. Though they don't carry the same championship history as Kentucky, Tennessee’s success in recent decades and its continued competitive play against Kentucky have fueled the rivalry for generations.

Kentucky and Tennessee first played in 1910, with the rivalry solidifying in the mid-twentieth century. As Tennessee has risen to prominence in the 21st century, the rivalry has grown in prominence beyond each team’s dedicated fans. Games between these two schools are often tightly contested and full of drama, with both fan bases staking their claim as the dominant basketball team in the SEC. Historically, Kentucky has led in overall wins, but Tennessee has found ways to challenge them and the standings. The rivalry is a testament to the deep-seated pride and passion of both programs' fans.

This year, it’s not just the teams going head-to-head. Zakai Zeigler and Jaxson Robinson are stepping up the competition with a battle of their own, showing how milk powers their recovery and strength. Milk’s role in recovery and strength will be on full display in this game and the remainder of the basketball season.

First up, Zakai Zeigler from the University of Tennessee is bringing his A-game, fueled by real milk. Zakai is choosing real milk to recover so he can play at his best game after game. For Zakai, milk’s nutrients are essential for staying at the top of his game, night after night.

“In Tennessee, real dairy milk gives me my superpowers,” says Zeigler on his return to promoting milk. “Milk’s high-quality protein and natural electrolytes help me to recover and recharge so I am at peak performance.”

Milk keeps Zakai at the top of his game against Kentucky and senior guard Jaxson Robinson. But don't count out Jaxson from the University of Kentucky. He’s also choosing milk to power his season and keep him at peak performance.

“Here in Kentucky, real dairy milk is what gives me my strength,” says Robinson. “Milk gives my muscles the nutrients they need, like high-quality protein, to power up and take flight.”

Whether you’re competing on the court, working out, or taking a shot at your homework, milk provides the protein you need for peak performance. Every 8 oz glass of milk provides 8 grams of complete, high-quality protein to help you stay strong, energized, and focused.

Like Zakai, you can recover from intense exercise with milk. Drinking chocolate milk after exercise helps replenish muscle protein.

Like Jaxson, you can stay strong with milk. The natural, high-quality protein in milk helps you build lean muscle. The natural, high-quality protein in milk helps you build lean muscle.

Whichever team you are rooting for, one thing is for sure: Milk’s got your back.

Milk’s high-performance protein can’t be matched by most alternative beverages. Real milk provides complete, high-quality protein whereas most plant-based proteins are incomplete. Compared to other sports drinks, milk is a nutritional bargain, providing complete, high-performance protein at approximately 25 cents per 8-ounce glass.

Lactose intolerant? Try lactose-free milk. It’s real milk just without lactose. There are many options on the market oﬀering 8 grams of protein or more per serving. Everyone can add milk to their game plan.

Milk’s got game--do you? With its unbeatable roster of 13 essential nutrients offering recovery benefits, including natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and 8 grams of high-quality protein, dairy milk is here to take the court. Get ready to fuel your game and see why dairy milk is the MVP of your everyday routine. It is easy to add it to your routine through a tall glass of cold milk or milk’s inclusion in your favorite game day eats. This season, show how Milk’s Got Game and score with real milk. Follow along on our social channels and milksgotgame.com.