KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The winner of Friday's Memphis-Tennessee game at Thompson-Boling Arena earns bragging rights for quite some time.
This series' contract expires at the end of the season, and Memphis coach Josh Pastner said he has no interest in continuing to face the Volunteers.
Pastner didn't detail his reasons for wanting to end the rivalry, though he did point out the uncertainty surrounding Memphis' schedule as it prepares to enter the Big East next season. Pastner also said Memphis fans consider Louisville - not Tennessee - the Tigers' biggest rival.
Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin said he would prefer to keep playing Memphis.
The Vols (8-3) will put a four-game winning streak on the line Friday, while Memphis (9-3) has won seven of its last eight. Tennessee leads the series 14-10.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
