Dick Vitale makes strong case for Kentucky to make NCAA Tournament after Tennessee sweep

Kentucky’s case for the NCAA Tournament got even stronger with Saturday’s win over Tennessee. In fact, Dick Vitale thinks the Wildcats don’t have to make a case anymore.

He thinks they’re in, baby.

“Yes @KentuckyMBB with a sweep of @Vol_Hoop is now going to be part of @MarchMadnessMBB as they have had a solid week beating @HailStateMBK & Tennessee,” Vitale tweeted. “Yes @UKCoachCalipari must feel pretty good today.”

Kentucky picked up its second victory of the year over Tennessee after previously knocking off the Vols on Rocky Top in January. The win improved the Wildcats to 18-9 overall and 9-5 in SEC play — the same conference record as Tennessee. Kentucky now controls its own destiny over the final four games of the regular season, starting with a road matchup Wednesday against Florida.

Seth Greenberg explains why he buys Kentucky as a bubble team

Seth Greenberg is buying stock in the Kentucky basketball team as we inch closer to the NCAA Tournament. Luckily for him, it’s on sale.

If the season ended today, UK would be forced to play their way into the tournament in the First Four against North Carolina. Of all the teams in the bubble, Greenberg thinks Kentucky has the highest ceiling.

“They’ve got the returning player of the year. Jacob Toppin over the last nine games is averaging 14 points a game and I love the ball in Cason Wallace’s hands,” Greenberg said of Kentucky on ESPN College GameDay. “I think he’s a big, physical guard. Last five [games], averages 13 points and 5 assists. But with his leadership and toughness, I think [Kentucky] has improved defensively.”

Jay Bilas said Greenberg is only buying Kentucky because they shouldn’t be on the bubble. And he’s right. Kentucky was the No. 4 team in the preseason AP Poll.

Kentucky has four Quad 1 wins on the season so far — Wednesday’s win against Mississippi State, against Texas A&M and two now against Tennessee.