A Look at Kentucky’s NCAA Résumé Based on Strength of Schedule and RPI

Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)

Now that we are officially into the February portion of the college basketball schedule, the overall body of work of teams will be analyzed on a daily basis.

A lot can change between now and selection Sunday but let’s take a look at the Wildcats current body of work, based on strength of schedule and the RPI.

Kentucky currently sits 15^th in the RPI and they have played the 8^th most difficult schedule. The Wildcats have three top 50 wins vs. West Virginia, Texas A&M, and Louisville. The win at West Virginia received a boost after the Mountaineers handed Oklahoma their first home loss of the season last night and that win is now a top 25 road victory.

Overall, the Wildcats have a record of 3-4 against teams ranked inside the top 50 of the RPI. Losses to Kansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida are not bad losses, as all four are projected to make the NCAA tournament.

Against teams ranked 51-100, Kentucky owns a record of 7-2 with losses against UCLA on a neutral floor and at South Carolina. Mid-major schools like Vermont and ETSU, who Kentucky defeated in the non-conference, are favorites to win their conference tournaments. Mixed in with those two games are victories vs. Mississippi State, Georgia, Virginia Tech, LSU, and Utah Valley.

Additionally, Kentucky is 4-0 vs. teams ranked 101-200 and 3-0 against opponents ranked worse than 200.

The Wildcats are currently projected as a No. 5 seed in the big dance but they have opportunities to improve that seed or lower it. A win vs. Tennessee, who is ranked 13^th in the RPI, would be a massive victory to add to their overall body of work.

Beginning with tonight’s game vs. Tennessee, 7 of the final 8 games for the Wildcats are against top 50 opponents.

Tennessee (13)

@ Texas A&M (29)

@ Auburn (5)

Alabama (38)

@ Arkansas (41)

Missouri (33)

Ole Miss (82)

@ Florida (49)

Take a look below: