The Kentucky Wildcats are rolling. Winners of five straight, sitting at 14-6 overall and 5-2 in the SEC, Mark Pope’s squad has found its identity. But if you think the hard part is over, look at the calendar.
The road to the SEC Tournament in Nashville (March 11-15) is paved with potholes, and the next two weeks will define whether Kentucky arrives in Music City as a double-bye contender or a team fighting for its life on Thursday.
The immediate test: The road gauntlet
- Next Up: at Vanderbilt (17-3)
- Followed by: at Arkansas (15-5)
This is the swing week. Vanderbilt just got humbled by Arkansas, but Memorial Gymnasium is a house of horrors for everyone, especially when the Commodores are 17-3. It’s a unique gym, a weird shooting background, and a desperate team looking to bounce back.
Then, the Cats head to Fayetteville. Arkansas is arguably the most talented team in the league right now, fresh off blowing out Vandy and hanging on against LSU. Bud Walton Arena will be deafening. If Kentucky can split these two games, it’s a massive win. If they sweep them? Start talking about a run for the SEC regular-season title.
Kentucky still has dates looming with Tennessee and Auburn. The Vols are always a physical war, and Steven Pearl’s Auburn squad just knocked off Florida on the road. The Cats also play the Gators twice. Here is the full road ahead:
Jan 27 (Tue): @ #15 Vanderbilt | 9:00 PM | ESPN
Jan 31 (Sat): @ #20 Arkansas | 6:30 PM | ESPN
Feb 4 (Wed): vs. Oklahoma | 9:00 PM | ESPN2
Feb 7 (Sat): vs. Tennessee | 8:30 PM | ESPN
Feb 14 (Sat): @ #16 Florida | 3:00 PM | ABC
Feb 17 (Tue): vs. #21 Georgia | 9:00 PM
Feb 21 (Sat): @ Auburn | 8:30 PM | ESPN
Feb 24 (Tue): @ South Carolina | 7:00 PM | SEC Network
Feb 28 (Sat): vs. #15 Vanderbilt | 2:00 PM
Mar 3 (Tue): @ Texas A&M | 7:00 PM
Mar 7 (Sat): vs. #16 Florida | 4:00 PM | ESPN
The goal
Right now, Kentucky sits in that 2-seed to 4-seed range in the conference standings, tied with Arkansas and Florida for 2nd behind Texas A&M, and 1 game up on 6 teams. The goal is simple: Finish in the Top 4, but it is a crowded field.
- Top 4 Finish: You get a "Double Bye" in Nashville. You don't play until Friday. You only have to win three games to cut down the nets.
- 5-10 Finish: You play on Thursday. Winning four games in four days is nearly impossible in this league.
Mark Pope has his team playing their best basketball of the season, but the "Road to Nashville" is about to get steep. Buckle up.