NCAA Basketball: Kansas rises, Duke, Kentucky, and Texas Tech fall in latest top-25 power ranking

11. Kentucky Wildcats - 15-6 (5-4 SEC)

The Wildcats are one of the more weird teams to analyze in the past couple of weeks because while they’ve been winning, the defensive issues have been more apparent, even in the wins. But after this past week, it can’t be overshadowed anymore. 

At home against Florida, the Wildcats looked to be in solid shape, holding a five-point halftime lead. However, the Gators were more than capable of playing in a shootout, one that ended up needing overtime to be decided. Kentucky lost 94-91 in 45 minutes of action, despite 24 points from Reed Sheppard and 20 from Rob Dillingham off the bench. Big man Ugonna Onyenso finished with 13 points, 16 rebounds, and eight blocks on the night.

Up next was another home clash, taking on Tennessee in a top-10 battle. It ended up being another shootout but the Vols continued to keep making shots and ended up over the century mark in a 103-92 win. Dillingham had a season-high 35 points off the bench, while Antonio Reeves had 21 on 8/18 shooting. But giving up 26 points to two players not named Dalton Knecht is a recipe for disaster.

If Kentucky doesn’t find a way to shore up its defense, they’re going to be in some real trouble going forward, whether on the road or at home. The good news is that their next two opponents are offensively-challenge, taking on Vanderbilt on the road and Gonzaga in a late non-con matchup.