Kentucky basketball nabbed a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament but the bracket could present some dangerous matchups to overcome.
Despite their loss to Tennessee in the SEC Tournament, the Kentucky Wildcats held onto the No. 2 seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament.
John Calipari and the Wildcats didn’t make it to March Madness last year. They’ve come back with a vengeance this year, going 26-7 while finishing second in the conference during the regular season.
How did fans and media take the bracket reveal for Kentucky?
Kentucky basketball fans react to NCAA Tournament bracket
Much of the attention on social media after Kentucky’s road in the tournament was revealed focused around how far the Wildcats could go and what pitfalls they might run into.
The No. 7 seed Murray State could be Kentucky’s Second Round matchup assuming they make it through 15-seed Saint Peter’s in the First Round.
Kentucky coach John Calipari on the bracket reveal: "What do you mean I usually have an opinion. I keep my opinions to myself." (Tongue firmly in cheek.)
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) March 13, 2022
Despite missing March Madness twice, Kentucky still has more NCAA Tournament wins (31) and Final Fours (4) than any other school since 2010. #BBN pic.twitter.com/tXOoSocWEa
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) March 13, 2022
Toughest region / THE EAST BABY /wow 2nd round possibility / KENTUCKY vs MURRAY STATE ! Wow The weakest Midwest baby many of the top teams struggling late .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 13, 2022
CBS guys sure did gloss over a 30-2 Murray State team possibly getting a shot at Kentucky in the second round. That would scare the shit out of me.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) March 13, 2022
People being scared of the game against Murray St…I love Murray and they are good, but if Kentucky wants to win a title they have to beat teams like Murray
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) March 13, 2022
You’re a loser if you’re scared of Murray State. This is Kentucky damn it
— All Things Kentucky (@BBNWonka) March 13, 2022
Great news for Kentucky: Not a single team in the East Region with a top-10 KenPom defense. Only two top-15 defenses (UCLA and Baylor) wouldn't come until the Elite Eight. If it's Purdue in the Sweet 16, Boilermakers rank 100th in defense.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) March 13, 2022
Seth Davis picks Kentucky to reach the Final Four.
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) March 13, 2022
Kentucky's path to the Final Four based on Kenpom rankings assuming the highest seed wins each game: Saint Peter's (118), Murray State (27), Purdue (14), Baylor (5).
— Derek Terry (@DerekSTerry) March 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/JDSHELBURNE/status/1503138036825133065
The Wildcats could end up facing the lies of Purdue, UCLA, UNC or Baylor if they manage to make it deep into the East Region.
This Kentucky team can be tough to get a handle on at times. They beat Kanas in Lawrence in late January as proof of just how good they can be. However, they also lost two games to Tennessee in the final month of the season, prompting debate over whether the 3-seeded Vols should be the No. 2 seed ahead of them.
It’s on star forward Oscar Tshiebwe along with freshman guard TyTy Washington and the rest to prove the Wildcats not only belong, but can contend for the ultimate prize in March Madness.
In their last trip to the tournament, the Wildcats went to the Elite Eight. The last time they won it all was in 2012. It’s been a long wait for another title.
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