Kentucky basketball's March Madness survival guide

Here are 2 teams Kentucky must avoid, and 1 the Cats would be delighted to see.

ByDrew Holbrook|

Kentucky guard Collin Chandler (5) goes over Florida forward Alex Condon (21) under the basket during their quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026. | DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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1. NC State

NC State basketbal — Mar 12, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Will Wade in the closing moments during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

While Will Wade was just 2-4 against the Cats with LSU, this current Wolfpack squad has a team profile that could spell trouble for Kentucky.

Led by former Tarheel Ven-Allen Lubin (13 PPG 7.2 RPG) and Quadir Copeland (13.88 PPG 6.6 APG), they rank top-40 nationally in effective field goal percentage and top-15 in turnover rate.

They are a fast-paced offense, but their defense can struggle. This is very much a Gonzaga-lite team that could cause the Cats problems.

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