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Kentucky Basketball: Analyzing The Wildcats’ Path Through the South Region of the NCAA Tournament

By Frank Spencer

Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of Bridgestone Arena as country music singer Trace Adkins sings the national anthem prior to the championship game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Kentucky Wildcats during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of Bridgestone Arena as country music singer Trace Adkins sings the national anthem prior to the championship game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Kentucky Wildcats during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Selection Sunday is one of the greatest “Holidays” in sports entertainment. Kentucky Basketball learned its fate as they earn a 2 seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky Basketball earns a two-seed in the South Region of the NCAA Tournament.

The 2017 College Hoop season has been one of interesting intentions. There has not been a complete dominant team. Everyone has been beaten. The top 25 has not shuffled this much in recent years. Also, It seems like each week, a new team enters the top five of the AP Poll.

Many College Basketball Analysts have tried to make picks each week but it hardly worked out. Good luck filling out a bracket worth bragging about this season.

Kentucky’s Matchup

Kentucky is set to take on Northern Kentucky. The Wildcats are fresh off of a tremendous defensive performance on the big stage of the SEC Tournament. Things are starting to go right for the Cats. On the other hand, the bench is offering great contributions. Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox, and Bam Adebayo are turning into the superstars that fans have been looking for. The Big Dance is the ultimate stage for these young Wildcats to show what they’re made of.

Analyzing The Rest of the Region

Kentucky will begin their route to the NCAA Tournament Final Four with a matchup against the Norse of Northern Kentucky (24-10). Also a second round matchup will include a matchup against the winner of Dayton/Witchita State. The Shockers have made their name in the NCAA Tournament for the past few seasons. Although this is not the shocker team of old, they are still well coached and thought of to be a tough out for most teams. Dayton (24-7) looks to build on recent tournament success as the Fliers tend to heat up come March.

Kentucky’s spot in the South Region would set up a possible rematch with UCLA and standout freshman Lonzo Ball. The Bruins beat the Wildcats at Rupp Arena on December 3. In a hard fought game, UCLA took the matchup 97-92.

Finally, if the Wildcats can gain momentum to knock off the Bruins, that would set up yet another rematch against blue blood foe North Carolina. Kentucky defeated the Tar Heels 103-100 at T-Mobile Arena on December 17. Additionally, in that matchup, Malik Monk had his coming out party as he scorched the nets for 47 points in the victory. Carolina has also caught fire late in the season as they took the ACC Regular Season Title.

Next: Kentucky's 5 Keys to Post-Season Success

Let the Madness Begin

As the March Madness officially begins, be on the lookout for picks and projections as the staff here at Wildcat Blue Nation will be working diligently to bring you the best coverage as we possible can. It’s the best time of the year and the BBN is ready to take on the world.

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