How Kentucky WBB can solidify a spot in 2022 NCAA Tournament

With only two games left in their regular season, Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s fate is in their own hands.

After beginning conference play with a 2-8 record, the Wildcats are on the verge of making the NCAA Tournament. The feat, which seemed impossible at one time this season, is now a potential reality for the ‘Cats. Kentucky has won their last four games, including an impressive blowout of Arkansas in Bud Walton Arena.

Four wins in a row got us like 💃#CommitToIt pic.twitter.com/KEqPh3sWRm

— Kentucky WBB (@KentuckyWBB) February 22, 2022

Moreover, UK’s final two contests of the regular season are incredibly winnable. On Thursday, the ‘Cats will face a solid Missouri squad. Kentucky will follow up the battle with a contest against Auburn on Sunday. While Missouri will present a challenge, Auburn should be an easy win for the ‘Cats.

Nonetheless, before we look ahead, let’s analyze where the ‘Cats currently stand in NCAA Tournament projections.

How does Kentucky WBB stack up?

These past few days have been a shot of optimism for the ‘Cats. To start, Kentucky moved up to No. 44 in the NCAA’s NET rankings. The upward shift comes after the team’s fantastic week. The UK’s wins over Alabama and Arkansas were both Quadrant 1 wins, two of only three Quadrant 1 wins for Kentucky this season.

Further supplementing their resume, Kentucky’s comeback victory against Mississippi State was a Quadrant 2 win. In their final week of play, the ‘Cats will have a chance to make one more statement victory.

A triumph over Missouri will be another Quadrant 1 win. More importantly, the victory will be one last boost of confidence as the ‘Cats head into the SEC Tournament. While Kentucky’s No. 44 NET ranking doesn’t promise them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, it’s a hopeful sign for the future.

ESPN’s Charlie Creme’s latest Bracketology projections is a prime example of this future. Creme didn’t have the ‘Cats in the tournament, but in the “Next Four Out.” In other words, if UK can capitalize on the next couple of weeks, a spot in the tournament is all but certain.

UPDATED BRACKETOLOGY: https://t.co/xHS5b0vmi9

The top-heavy Big Ten has six teams in ESPN's latest projection, and none is seeded lower than No. 7.

* Baylor inches closer to 1-seed
* SEC, ACC each put nine teams in
* Tennessee still in top 16
* UConn in Wichita Regional pic.twitter.com/NfwuvsjuW6

— ESPN Women's Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) February 22, 2022

What can the ‘Cats do?

As mentioned previously, Kentucky must win their final two games of the season to keep their hopes alive. Creme projects Missouri as a No. 10 seed in the tournament. A win over the Tigers on Thursday would be a message to the nation.

Not only would the win be a positive sign for the NCAA Tournament, but the SEC Tournament, as well. If the SEC Tournament began today, Kentucky’s first game would be against Missouri. Thus, the ‘Cats need to attack Thursday’s game with the same urgency.

With Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Kentucky all at 6-8 in conference play, a win on Thursday could launch the ‘Cats four spots up the SEC standings. Moreover, a win against Auburn could boost UK to No. 6 in the conference standings where Georgia currently sits.

With the season they’ve had, the ‘Cats are in the best position imaginable. Playing their best ball, UK has an excellent chance of playing into March. Nevertheless, Kentucky must first defeat Missouri in Mizzou Arena at 8 p.m. on Thursday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.