Men's Basketball

Kentucky vs Vanderbilt: Postgame Recap

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2023

On Wednesday night, Kentucky hosted Vanderbilt for their final home game of the season. It was Senior Night and six Kentucky seniors were honored in the pregame ceremony. Unfortunately, Kentucky wasn’t able to capitalize on the hype surrounding the evening as the Wildcats fall 68-66 to Vanderbilt.

Kentucky came into the game on a four game winning streak, including a blowout win over Auburn just four days prior.

The Wildcats were playing their best basketball of the season and getting hot at the right time. But Wednesday night’s loss served as a road block that few saw coming.

Thankfully, Kentucky is no longer at risk for missing the NCAA tournament. However, following Wednesday’s loss, Kentucky’s seeding for the big dance is up in the air.

Additionally, Kentucky’s seeding for the SEC tournament is in limbo. If they would’ve been able to avoid the loss to Vandy, they would’ve locked themselves into the 3 seed and a double-bye for the conference tournament. The 3-seed is still a possibility, but multiple things need to occur for that to happen.

I have added odds based on KenPom projections to this chart. The most likely scenario is UK earns a 3-seed either by beating Arky, or by Mizzou and Tennessee losing.

However, there are relatively even odds between a 3, 4, and 5 seed. Gonna be a "fun" Saturday of SEC basketball pic.twitter.com/i2hdVfIK8v— WT – Don't Switch Up (@WildcatsTongue) March 2, 2023

Let’s look at what unfolded to lead to Kentucky’s unfortunate Senior Night loss.

Offensive Woes

After the hot shooting that occurred on Saturday vs Auburn, the Cats couldn’t seem to find the bottom of the net on many occasions Wednesday night. Kentucky only shot 32.2% from the field going 19-59. They only saw three three-pointers go through on 19 attempts. Free throw shooting was average as they went 25-35 from the stripe.

Of Kentucky’s 59 shot attempts, 30 of them came from the mid-range. In the postgame press conference, KY Insider asked coach Cal if that was the shot he was wanting his team to take.

“We took 19 threes. And we wanted the mid-range shots, yes” Cal responded. “Because that’s how they play and it’s one of the things we do so well. We missed a bunch of them today. Just missed a bunch. That’s a shot we make, as a matter of fact, we play to get those, too.”

John Calipari was asked about shooting 30 of their 59 shots from mid-range, if that's what they wanted.

"We wanted the mid-range shots, yes… It's one of the things we do so well. We missed a bunch of them today. That's a shot we make."

Adds, "We play to get those too." pic.twitter.com/4IlvzzTvrC— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) March 2, 2023

Meanwhile, Vanderbilt shot 40.3% from the field, 33.3% from three, and 76.9% from the free throw line.

Vandy’s guards Jordan Wright and Tyrin Lawrence filled up the stat sheet, combining for 44 points. Collectively, they shot 17-26 from the field and 6-7 from three. Wright went 4-4 on three point attempts. Wright also hit the go-ahead fade-away in the final moments of the game.

Oscar Tshiebwe was Kentucky’s bright spot in the disappointing loss. The ever-reliable forward went for 21 points and 20 rebounds for his 17th double-double of the year.

As bitter as the loss was, it was impressive that Kentucky only lost by two after such a poor night of shooting.

Injuries

Just four minutes into the game, Vanderbilt forward, Liam Robbins went down with a lower leg injury and had to be helped off the court. Robbins would not return to the game. In a post game interview, Vanderbilt head coach Jerry Stackhouse said that Robbins would “probably” miss the rest of the season.

Robbins also missed the previous matchup vs Kentucky in Nashville on January 24th. This was during a stretch of four games in which he had to miss with an ankle injury. Robbins was averaging 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game prior to his injury Wednesday night.

Just shy of two minutes into the second half, Kentucky starting point guard Cason Wallace went down, also with a lower leg injury. Wallace was able to limp off the floor without assistance and made his way to the locker room to be further examined. Unfortunately, Wallace would be ruled out for the remainder of the game.

In the post game press conference, Coach Cal gave an update on Wallace’s status.

“Cason got X-ray’d, he’s fine. Didn’t swell. I’m hoping he’s OK for Saturday, but we’ll see,” Cal said.

Sahvir Wheeler Misses Senior Night

Six Kentucky seniors were honored Wednesday night. One senior, however, was absent from the festivities. Point guard Sahvir Wheeler had to undergo a medical procedure that caused him to have to miss his senior night recognition. Other seniors recognized include Oscar Tshiebwe, Jacob Toppin, CJ Fredrick, Antonio Reeves, and Brennan Canada.

John Calipari’s wife, Ellen, came out in a #2 jersey in recognition for Sahvir Wheeler due to his absence. Wheeler has missed several weeks at this point due to a lingering ankle injury. However, the procedure that he had was related to a tail-bone injury, per reports.

Ellen Calipari coming out in a #2 jersey to honor the absent Sahvir Wheeler for senior night! #BBN @KyInsider pic.twitter.com/6UD66m9PIA— Tanner Leigh (@LaceEmUpBBN) March 2, 2023

In coach Cal’s announcement of Wheeler’s absence, he stated that “he will be out for a bit.” So it is unclear as to when or if he will return to play this season.

Men's Basketball

Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament Fate: The Latest in Bracketology

As the Mark Pope’s inaugural season comes to a close, where do the bracket experts see he and Kentucky landing on Selection Sunday?

Published

4 days ago

March 7, 2025

Lane Mills

Kirby Lee | Imagn

With the dust finally starting to settle on Mark Pope’s first year in the driver’s seat, Kentucky’s outlook for March Madness is beginning to take shape as Selection Sunday (March 16) closes in.

After entering the season ranked #23 in the AP poll, the ‘Cats have been in just about every possible position. From rising as far as #4 in week seven to dropping all the way back down to #19 (where they are currently), the team have been in-and-out of the “championship hopefuls” mix all season.

Big, trademark wins against teams like Duke, Tennessee (x2), Florida and Gonzaga had pundits singing the unit’s praises, while puzzling losses to Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas inspired the exact opposite sort of dialogue.

Though as confusing as the year has been on the whole, the overall consensus of the “bracketologists” seems see Kentucky between the 3-5 seed lines on that fateful day. Read below, and let us know what you make of Kentucky’s potential road to San Antonio!

Bracket Matrix: (3.21, last 3-seed)

*Combines all bracketology and averages each team’s seed.

24/7 Sports

Projection: East Region, five-seed.

Matchup: McNeese (12)

Notable teams in region: Duke (1), Alabama (2), Marquette (4), Kansas (6).

CBS Sports

Projection: Midwest Region, four-seed.

Matchup: Yale (13).

Notable teams in region: Houston (1), Tennessee (2), Wisconsin (3), Michigan (5), UCLA (8).

ESPN

Projection: South Region (Atlanta), three-seed.

Matchup: Troy (14).

Notable teams in region: Auburn (1), Michigan State (2), Clemson (4), UCLA (6).

NCAA.com

Projection: Midwest Region, four-seed.

Matchup: Akron (13).

Notable teams in region: Houston (1), Alabama (2), Wisconsin (3), Maryland (5).

Men's Basketball

Where Kentucky Falls on the SEC Tournament Seeding Spectrum

Three games, including their own, control Kentucky’s ultimate destiny in next week’s SEC Tournament in Nashville.

Published

4 days ago

March 7, 2025

Lane Mills

Kentucky Wildcats playing in the SEC Tournament in Nashville

IMAGN

Although the Wildcats were able to take a big, collective breath after Ole Miss secured them a first round bye in the SEC Tournament with a win over Tennessee, their final fate is far from decided.

As they currently stand, Kentucky is slated in the eight seed in the Southeastern Conference; just ahead of Mississippi State, and right behind Texas A&M. While UK (again, thanks to Ole Miss) is unable to fall any further than their current position no matter how their last game goes, there also exists the possibility for the ‘Cats to rise as high as seed five.

What’s more? Everything comes down to three games: Ole Miss vs. Florida, Texas A&M vs. LSU, and, of course, Kentucky vs. Missouri. Where the Wildcats end up will all depend on the mixed-and-matched outcome of these three battles.

“Worst” Case Scenario

The simplest, and objectively worst possible outcome (although maintaining a bye is still pretty sweet) would only require one game to end a certain way – that is, Kentucky falling to Mizzou. In that case, no matter how the other two games turned out, the ‘Cats would be officially locked into the eight seed in which they currently sit when things kick off in Nashville.

But if Kentucky beats Missouri? Things get a lot more interesting.

Middle Ground

Given a big blue victory on Saturday, these two scenarios feel like the most plausible and encouraging options on the spread. In addition to a Wildcats win, if A&M beats LSU (expected) and Ole Miss beats Florida (unexpected), Kentucky would rise one spot to the seventh seed.

Now, swap the Ole Miss game and give Florida the win, and suddenly, the ‘Cats rise to the sixth spot. Interestingly enough, this latter outcome seems inherently more likely than the former, given Florida’s home court advantage and LSU’s consistent in-conference struggles. Either way, these two options are firmly in reach; all Kentucky has to do to guarantee a better seed than the one they have now is win.

Wishful Thinking

In the best possible scenario, as wild as it may seem Kentucky could climb as far as the fifth seed in the SEC standings. What’s even wilder? It’s more possible than the projections may lead you to believe.

If Kentucky and Florida win (again, Florida is favored), it’d all come down to LSU finding a way to upset A&M. That seems like a pipe dream, especially after what Kentucky just did to the Tigers in Rupp, but the game takes place in Baton Rouge, and it’ll be the last one there this season.

Who knows? Maybe the seniors in purple and gold will work to play spoiler and sabotage one of the better teams in their conference; after all, late-season college basketball is known for stories like these. As unlikely as it seems, you’d be remiss to count anything out after the first day of March.

Blue Gets In

As nice as it would be to jump three spots in the conference standings headed into the tournament, Nashville will be a blue-out either way, and Kentucky will have the benefit of both a first round bye and the most fans in the building on any given night out.

To boot, the team’s coach finally takes the event as seriously as the fans who travel for it do. Mark Pope said in Thursday’s press conference, “this SEC Tournament matters.” So no matter where the Wildcats end up, rest assured that Coach Pope will have the team right where they need to be headed into the weekend.

Kentucky will look to make their first splash in the tournament in years ahead of what is sure to be a historic March… for better or, perish the thought, much worse.

Men's Basketball

Kentucky vs. Missouri: TV/Streaming Info, Preview, and Betting Odds/Predictions

Published

4 days ago

March 7, 2025

Tristan Pharis

Kentucky Wildcats forward Ansley Almonor (15) reacts in Rupp Arena.

Jordan Prather | IMAGN

The Kentucky Wildcats smashed LSU in dominant fashion in their home game of the season. Now, their attention turns towards their regular-season finale vs. the No. 15 Missouri Tigers in Columbia on Saturday. Game time is set for noon ET on ESPN.

One of the biggest surprise teams in college basketball, the Tigers are ranked fifth in the SEC and have one of the nation’s most potent offenses. Led by National Coach of the Year candidate Dennis Gates, in his third season, they have an overhauled roster from last season’s team that went winless in SEC play.

Since starting conference play 6-2, Missouri has been just 4-5 in the nine games since, including losses to Arkansas and Vanderbilt, albeit two teams Kentucky has lost to, and on the road.

Which version of Missouri will Kentucky be facing? The one that just to said teams and just got manhandled at Oklahoma? Or will it be the one that thoroughly dismantled Alabama just a few weeks ago?

Let’s take a look at the matchup.

Rebounding

One of Kentucky’s biggest priorities this season has been rebounding, but they’ve been inconsistent in that area. After losing the rebounding battle in three straight games, the Wildcats have won in the two games since.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have been one of the worst rebounding teams in the SEC. It’s not due to a lack of size, with a roster that ranks in the top 50 in average height.

The Tigers have lost the battle of the boards in three straight contests: Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt — all statistically worse teams on the board than Kentucky.

The Cats must continue that trend and use rebounds to help control the game.

Avoid Turnover Bug

Missouri is not an elite defensive team, but they do create havoc and generate steals, ranking second in the nation with nearly 10 steals per game.

For Kentucky, taking care of the ball has been a challenge of late. Against LSU, the Cats had less than 12 turnovers for the first time in five games, but the Tiger defense wasn’t exactly stout.

Lamont Butler is leading the charge and continuing to get healthy, which helps with this. However, players like Travis Perry and Otega Oweh need to be prepared for the pressure of the Missouri backcourt, including Anthony Robinson and Caleb Grill, who both rank in the top 10 of the SEC in steals.

Defense Without Fouling

Kentucky has been better on the defensive end since mid-February but has still allowed big scoring numbers to elite offenses in that span, including 96 points to Alabama and 94 to Auburn.

According to KenPom, Missouri has the fifth most efficient offense in the country. A big part of that offense comes from the free-throw line. Drawing more than 20 fouls per game, the Tigers score nearly a quarter of their points from the charity stripe.

It will be very important for the Cats to defend without fouling. Not only will that take away a big source of points, but it will keep Kentucky’s best players out of foul trouble. That is important, given that the roster lacks consistent production from the bench.

Then again, this is dependent on SEC officiating. In three of Missouri’s last six games, they have shot 35 or more free throws. In the other three, they have shot 17 or less.

Opposing Players to Watch

G Caleb Grill 6-3, 205 lbs

14.3 PPG

1.8 SPG (9th in SEC)
43% 3P (3rd in SEC)

G Mark Mitchell 6-6, 230 lbs

13.9 PPG
4.7 RPG
49.4% FG

G Anthony Robinson 6-3, 180 lbs

9.7 PPG
3.6 APG (10th in SEC)
45.5% 3P

2.1 SPG (2nd in SEC)

Kentucky Basketball vs. Missouri Tigers

Time: 12:00 PM ET on March 8th, 2025
Location: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri
TV Channel: ESPN
Announcers: Tom Hart and Dane Bradshaw
Online Stream: ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Radio: Tom Leach and Jack Givens will have the call on the UK Sports Radio Network.
Replay: WatchESPN and SEC Network (check local listings).
Rosters: UK | MIZZ
Stats to Know: UK | MIZZ
KenPom: UK | MIZZ
Team Sheet: UK | MIZZ

Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook has yet to release the odds for this game, so check back Friday for those. ESPN has Kentucky as a small underdog with a 47.1% chance at victory, while EvanMiya gives the Cats just a 29.7% chance at the upset. KenPom (35%) and BartTorvik (30%) fall in between.

Predictions: BartTorvik (88-82), EvanMiya (86-80), and Haslametrics (86-80) all predict a six-point loss for Kentucky, while KenPom is going with Missouri 86-82. I think the Wildcats will get one more big win in the regular season, so I’m going with an 88-81 victory, Kentucky!

Send us your Kentucky vs. Missouri score predictions in the comments section!

Go CATS!

Also posted on A Sea of Blue.