After a disappointing loss in the SEC tournament to the Vanderbilt Commodores, the Kentucky Wildcats are looking forward to getting their NCAA tournament run started.
The Selection Committee seeded the Wildcats at a #6 and have them facing off against the Providence Friars, a #11 seed. This could prove to be a tough matchup for the Wildcats. Both of these teams are pretty evenly matched up in the statistics department.
Bryce Hopkins To Make A Statement…
The most interesting story here is that former University of Kentucky player Bryce Hopkins, who was frustrated with the John Calipari system, transferred out and landed in Providence. Since landing with the Friars Hopkins has excelled. Through 32 games, Hopkins has averaged 16.1 points per game on 45.7% shooting from the field. He’s also been solid from beyond the arc, hitting 37.8% of his three-point attempts. I’m sure he’ll be out for vengeance against the Wildcats. Look for him to make a statement in this game.
The Wildcats are hoping to get healthy by tournament time. Cason Wallace played in the Vanderbilt game and CJ Fredrick has seen limited minutes. The most surprising story has been that Sahvir Wheeler has been absent since Feb. 4th against the Gators. The team is giving mixed signals on whether or not he will return in time for the NCAA tournament.
Game is set for Friday and game time is TBD.
NCAA Tournament East Region
- No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 16 Texas Southern/FDU (Columbus)
- No. 8 Memphis vs. No. 9 Florida Atlantic (Columbus)
- No. 5 Duke vs. No. 12 Oral Roberts (Orlando)
- No. 4 Tennessee vs. No. 13 Louisiana (Orlando)
- No. 6 Kentucky vs. No. 11 Providence (Greensboro)
- No. 3 Kansas State vs. No. 14 Montana State (Greensboro)
- No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 USC (Columbus)
- No. 2 Marquette vs. No. 15 Vermont (Columbus)
You can see the full bracket here.
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