Kentucky slips in CBS Sports' latest Bracketology following Vanderbilt loss

Kentucky is still firmly in the projected NCAA Tournament field, but Wednesday night’s performance certainly didn’t help boost the Wildcats’ stock.

Following a 68-66 loss to Vanderbilt on Senior Night in Rupp Arena, UK has slipped a seed in the latest Bracketology update from CBS College Hoops expert Jerry Palm. He previously had the ‘Cats as a six-seed coming into the matchup against Vandy, pitting them against 11-seed Southern California in the opening round. However, Palm now has Kentucky back down to a seven-seed with 10-seeded FAU on the other side of the draw. That game would take place in Sacramento, CA.

The home loss to Vanderbilt was a Quad 3 defeat, the second of the season (3-2) for Kentucky, which also holds a Quad 4 loss (6-1).

Despite Palm’s current projection, Kentucky is still in good shape to earn a six- or even five-seed in the tournament. As of Thursday, the minds over at BartTorvik believe UK is in line for a five-seed while TeamRankings slots the ‘Cats as a six-seed. Bracket Matrix is holding strong with a six-seed for John Calipari’s group, as well.

Additionally, Kentucky only fell two spots in the updated NET rankings to No. 21. So there is still reason for optimism when it comes to UK earning a top-five seed come Selection Sunday.

Beating Arkansas in Fayetteville on Saturday would certainly help Kentucky’s cause, as the Razorbacks checked in as a nine-seed, per Palm’s latest Bracketology, and No. 15 in the NET rankings — another Quad 1 opportunity for the ‘Cats. A victory would also lock up a double bye in next week’s 2023 SEC Tournament.

Just finish strong.