Kentucky is 17-7 overall and on a heater, winning 12 of its last 15 games. They are finally regaining some of that mojo we saw during the summer, and they are doing it shorthanded.
Without Jayden Quaintance, Jaland Lowe, and Kam Williams, the Cats are just finding ways to win. It hasn't always been pretty, but the results are there.
But now comes the real test. What does the rest of the schedule look like, and can they keep this momentum going?
Here is the breakdown of the final gauntlet.
The schedule
- @ #17 Florida: Feb 14 | 3:00 PM | ABC
- vs. Georgia: Feb 17 | 9:00 PM | SEC Network
- @ Auburn: Feb 21 | 8:30 PM | ESPN
- @ South Carolina: Feb 24 | 7:00 PM | SEC Network
- vs. #15 Vanderbilt: Feb 28 | 2:00 PM | CBS/ESPN
- @ Texas A&M: Mar 3 | 7:00 PM | ESPN
- vs. #17 Florida: Mar 7 | 4:00 PM | ESPN
The final stretch is here, and the margin for error is razor thin
@ #17 Florida (17-6, 8-2 SEC)
Prediction: Loss
Going to Gainesville is always a nightmare. The O-Dome will be full throat all night long, and the Gators are currently leading the SEC at 8-2. They are rounding into championship form at the exact right time. I don't see the Cats walking away with a win here, but if they do? Look out. That would be the signature win of the year.
vs. Georgia (17-6, 5-5 SEC)
Prediction: Win
The Bulldogs have a nice overall record, but they have been shaky in the league, hovering at .500. They are talented but vulnerable on the road. Kentucky at home, with the Rupp crowd behind them, should take care of business here.
@ Auburn (14-9, 5-5 SEC)
Prediction: Win
The Jungle is one of the most difficult places to play in America, regardless of Auburn's record. This is a team that hammered the Cats last year in Rupp, so revenge is on the menu. This is a total toss-up because you never know which version of Auburn (or Kentucky) will show up. But Auburn has struggled this year (14-9), and I think the Cats sneak out with a tough road win.
@ South Carolina (11-13, 2-9 SEC)
Prediction: Win
Lamont Paris is in trouble in Columbia. The Gamecocks are sitting at 2-9 in the conference and have lost 5 straight. I don't think Kentucky stumbles here like they have in the past. This should be a comfortable win.
vs. #15 Vanderbilt (19-4, 6-4 SEC)
Prediction: Win
The Dores throttled the Cats in Nashville earlier this year, 80-55. It was ugly. But you do not want to get swept by Vandy. I don't think Mark Pope lets that happen. The Cats will be looking for revenge, and I think they get it in a big way at Rupp.
@ Texas A&M (17-6, 7-3 SEC)
Prediction: Win
This is one of the more underrated home-court advantages in the SEC. Reed Arena is loud, and the Cats will struggle with "Bucky Ball." I actually like the Cats here because they match up well. They physically match up better with the Aggies than they do with Florida. I'm calling for a massive road upset.
vs. #17 Florida (Home Finale)
Prediction: Win
Florida at home is always fun.
I don't care how good the Gators are, and they are good. I don't think this team drops its last home game of the year. The crowd will be electric for Senior Night, and the Cats split the season series.
The final tally
If this plays out, Kentucky finishes 22-8 overall and 14-4 in the SEC. That should be enough to sneak into a top 4 seed in the SEC Tournament (hello, double bye) and potentially lock up a protected top 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
What do you think is going to happen?