The Kentucky Wildcats were eliminated in the SEC Tournament by the Vanderbilt Commodores. Do they have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament?
The conference championship tournaments are set to reach their conclusion this weekend. Then, on Sunday, the NCAA Tournament Selection Show takes place, when all 68 qualifying teams will be announced.
As is the case, the conference champions will be given an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. For the Kentucky Wildcats, they missed out on their chance to take the easy path into March Madness, as they lost 80-73 to the Vanderbilt Commodores in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Friday.
With Selection Sunday just hours away, can Kentucky fans expect the Wildcats to hear their names called as one of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament?
Bracketology prediction: Will Kentucky qualify for the NCAA Tournament?
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has Kentucky making it into the NCAA Tournament as the No. 7 seed in the South Region. With that, Lunardi has the Wildcats facing the USC Trojans in the opening round. This comes as of the morning of Saturday, March 11.
Then, CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm predicts Kentucky will make it as a No. 7 seed, but in the West region. With that, they would face the Providence Friars in the first round. This prediction by Palm was also made on the morning of March 11.
The Wildcats finished their season with a 21-11 record, including going 14-4 at home. They hold a NET ranking of 26th, according to the NCAA. Against Quad 1 teams, they have six wins and seven losses, while having six wins and one loss vs. Quad 2 teams. Rounding things out, Kentucky holds a 3-2 record in games against Quad 3 teams, and a 6-1 record when facing Quad 4 teams.
Based on Lunardi and Palm’s predictions, Kentucky will get its name called on Selection Sunday. Fans will get their answer at 6:00 p.m. ET on March 12.
