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College Basketball Power Rankings: Week 18

By Nathaniel Reeves

Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) celebrates after forcing a turnover during the second half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks won 73-68. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats players look towards the bench during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; College Station, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats players look towards the bench during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Wildcats

Last week: 24-5, 14-2 SEC
Last rank: 10

The Wildcats are slowly but surely making progress on the defensive end in recent weeks, giving them a good shot at a deep NCAA Tournament run and more.

After falling behind Vanderbilt by six points at halftime on Tuesday night, the Wildcats avoided a rare home loss with a late rally. Kentucky was also sluggish in Saturday’s 71-63 win at Texas A&M, but has now won eight straight games while playing stronger on the interior since Feb. 4’s loss at Florida.

While neither victory was against a great opponent, John Calipari has to be happy that his team has found ways to win in recent games where De’Aaron Fox was out or Malik Monk struggled from the field. Imposing forward Bam Adebayo is playing his best basketball of the year with a combined 29 points on 10-for-17 shooting in the two wins this week.

Of course, Monk torching a team or two in the Big Dance would help Kentucky’s championship chances, as he’s been the main factor behind an offense that averages 1.124 points per possesions. KenPom’s ratings believe in the Wildcats No. 13 adjusted defense, although they failed to pass the eye test against better teams like North Carolina, Kansas and healthy Florida.

Kentucky will receive a double-bye to the SEC quarterfinals as the top seed before playing the winner of Tennessee and Georgia on Friday.