16. Kentucky (4-2)
A new direction is still being worked out for a Kentucky program that went to the Sweet Sixteen in their first year under Mark Pope. That great first result hasn’t necessarily calmed all complaints and the early play this season is only adding to those question marks. When they’re playing inferior opponents, this Kentucky team can really take advantage of teams, but it’s been those other games where the trouble has brewed.
That trouble really showed up on Tuesday night in New York, as the Wildcats were outdone 83-66 by Michigan State in the Champions Classic. A struggle from beginning to end, Kentucky got 12 points from Otega Oweh but some rough shooting in the loss. Friday was the opposite once again, as the Wildcats made quick work of Loyola Maryland in an 88-46 blowout win. All five starters scored in double figures including 13 points apiece from Collin Chandler and Kam Williams while significantly outrebounding the Greyhounds.
These losses to Louisville and now Michigan State begin an upsetting trend that isn’t necessarily new in Lexington. Kentucky has been a monster at home against weak foes but their two marquee matchups outside of Lexington have not ended well. There are problems for this talented rotation to fix and time to get to that, as the Wildcats’ only game this upcoming week is against Tennessee Tech and will likely be a fifth blowout victory.