Where Kentucky stands in latest Bracketology/NET ranking updates

On3 imageby:Zack Geoghegan03/11/23

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Following Friday night’s early exit from the SEC Tournament, Kentucky is still in firm position to hear its name called by the Selection Committee on Sunday, but the odds of snagging a top-five seed have all but vanished.

Bracket projections across the internet were updated on Saturday morning to reflect what happened during the many conference tournament bouts from the day before. After trending as a potential five-seed heading into the SEC Tournament, Kentucky is back to slipping in the wrong direction after losing to Vanderbilt 80-73 in the quarterfinals.

As of Saturday morning, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi now has the ‘Cats as the No. 7 seed in the South Region with a first-round matchup against Southern California in Des Moines, IA. CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm also has Kentucky as a No. 7 seed with a highly interesting matchup against former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins and Providence in the opening round. Bracketville is right there with both of the major outlets, projecting a No. 7 seed with a first-round matchup against Utah State in the West Region

via ESPN

The loss to Vanderbilt, which resulted in the Commodores jumping into Lunardi’s “First Four Out” group, has also dropped Kentucky down five spots in the latest NET rankings, sliding UK from No. 21 to No. 26. Meanwhile, Vandy saw a three-spot leap to No. 79 in the NET.

Kentucky’s NET ranking as of 3/11: No. 26
Quad 1:
6-7
Quad 2: 6-1
Quad 3: 3-2
Quad 4: 6-1
Overall: 21-11

Looking elsewhere, Kentucky could also be zeroing in on a No. 6 seed, although plenty could change over the next 36 hours depending on what happens during today’s games. BartTorvik and TeamRankings both have the ‘Cats projected as six-seeds in the NCAA Tournament while BracketMatrix slots Kentucky as the fourth and final six-seed. The Athletic is also in the same boat, projecting UK to a No. 6 seed in the East region.

It won’t be much longer before Kentucky finally learns its postseason fate. A No. 6 or No. 7 seed feels like the most likely outcome. Selection Sunday begins at 6:00 p.m. EST on CBS.

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2024-03-28