SEC Weekly Wrap Up
What a scary, intense, on the edge of your seat weekend we had this week. The Kentucky Wildcats entered SEC play this week looking to run the table and got a little more than they bargained for. The Cats started their SEC venture with a match up with Ole Miss in Rupp Arena. The Rebels brought an experienced and fearless back court to the party looking to add the first blemish to the Kentucky Wildcats record. Ole Miss guard Stefan Moody recorded 25 points in action before getting injured on a 3 point attempt. The Kentucky Wildcats ended up pulling away in overtime to go to (1-0) in conference play.
After the game Tuesday night, the Cats were going to go into College Station and blow out the Aggies to prove to everyone again how dominant they are. Not quite… the Kentucky Wildcats were battled tested for the second game in a row facing their second overtime game in a row as well. This time it was not at the expense of the other team playing lights out more of the fact that the Wildcats just did not play well. A few clutch free throws from Lyles, and Johnson, and a much needed three from Ulis helped Kentucky escape with the win. It will be interesting to see down the stretch if the SEC is this good, or if Kentucky just lost a step this week.
"Two scares against mediocre SEC teams leave us wondering if and when the Wildcats (15-0) will lose. The thought process in December was that if then-dominant Kentucky got past Louisville (which it did 58-50 Dec. 27), then the chance for another undefeated regular season (Wichita State did it last year) was almost a foregone conclusion. No way a team from the SEC can challenge the mighty Wildcats, right? Wrong."
Jan 10, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Michael Qualls (24) and forward Bobby Portis (10) react following a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas defeated Vanderbilt 82-70. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports
Around the league in the SEC there are three other teams that have managed to start out league play at (2-0). Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida have all started out undefeated in conference play. Three teams that the Kentucky Wildcats will match up with five times. The Razorbacks ranked number 23 in the country have only lost two games so far this season and is a team that caused the Cats fits last season, but are doing their part keeping the SEC as a respectable conference. Alabama has been a nice surprise to the conference this season only dropping three games out of conference all to quality opponents. With out a marquee win on their resume, expect a packed house and a team firing on all cylinders next Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Although Florida has been a disappointment so far this season, one can not deny their talent level. With a nice road win against South Carolina, and a rupture of Mississippi State, do not be surprised to see the Gators find their footing during SEC play.
Jan 8, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Keith Shamburger (14) dribbles the ball with LSU Tigers guard Josh Gray (5) during overtime at Mizzou Arena. The Missouri Tigers defeated the LSU Tigers 74-67. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports
Next up on tap for the Kentucky Wildcats in SEC play will be the Missouri Tigers. The Tigers are currently sitting at (7-8) overall and (1-1) in SEC action. Missouri will head into Rupp Arena for their chance to take down the Number 1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats at 9 p.m. Eastern time. The Tigers recently pulled off an upset over LSU and will be hungry for another upset. Kentucky avoids a third straight overtime game and wins steadily 64-49.
Ahead of the Missouri game will be another road test for the Kentucky Wildcats against Alabama. The Crimson Tide are tied atop the leaders of the SEC at (2-0) losing only three games out of conference. Do not be shocked if the Tide drop one on the road this week at South Carolina leading to a feisty battle next Saturday in Coleman Coliseum. Kentucky Wildcats will come out slow but eventually pick up the pace escaping Tuscaloosa with a 64-59 victory going to 17-0 on the season.
Until then, enjoy this picture celebrating Kentucky being two of the final undefeated teams.
Jan 11, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack fans storm the court after a victory against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at PNC Arena. North Carolina State won 87-75. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports