Kentucky WBB, conference play predictions for the 'Cats

Like most programs in the country, Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s near future is uncertain.

No. 2 Kentucky’s Dec. 30 contest against Auburn was postponed due to COVID-19 issues within Auburn’s program. The postponement is Kentucky’s second this season; the first coming with Morgan State.

Despite the path change, conference play remains just around the corner for the ‘Cats. The term “conference play” sugarcoats the brutality of Kentucky’s upcoming schedule. Six SEC programs are currently listed in the AP Top 25, including undefeated No. 1 South Carolina.

Although the stage isn’t necessarily set, the show must go on. Thus, here are my predictions for Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s SEC success.

Conference record: 11-4

Best Game: Texas A&M

Best Win: Georgia

Worst Loss: Arkansas

Scary Start

The ‘Cats aren’t gradually wading their way into rough water. In fact, they’re nose-diving straight into the deep end.

🏀 @AP_Top25 𝚆𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗'𝚜 𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝙿𝚘𝚕𝚕 | 𝚆𝙺𝟾

1️⃣ @GamecockWBB
7️⃣ @LadyVol_Hoops
1️⃣3️⃣ @UGA_WBB
1️⃣9️⃣ @LSUwbkb
2️⃣0️⃣ @KentuckyWBB
2️⃣3️⃣ @AggieWBB #SECWBB

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 27, 2021

After hopefully devouring their SEC appetizer of Mississippi State on Jan. 3, Kentucky is set to face the three top-ranked teams in the conference. First, the ‘Cats take on No. 13 Georgia on Dec. 6. Led by returning star center Jenna Staiti, the Bulldogs will be an imposing obstacle.

On the flip side, the Bulldogs will be an enticing challenge. The ‘Cats went 1-1 against Georgia last season, falling to them in the SEC Tournament. In her second year as head coach, Kyra Elzy will undoubtedly look to strike back at the Bulldogs. In my opinion, she’ll succeed.

The contest will be in Memorial Coliseum, where the ‘Cats are yet to lose this season. Additionally, the Wildcats’ position-less style will cause issues for 6-foot-5 Staiti. If the ‘Cats can rebound, they’ll ride out of Memorial victorious.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to be as hopeful for Kentucky’s next competition as they take on South Carolina. Kentucky will march into Columbia, where two other ranked teams have already fallen this season. As most fans would agree, Kentucky will likely be another name on that list after Dec. 9. But wait, there’s more.

After facing Goliath, the ‘Cats have to take on the Devil itself: Tennessee. The No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers had an interesting relationship with the Wildcats last season. In the two teams’ first matchup, the Volunteers dominated the ‘Cats, while Kentucky returned the favor not even 20 days later.

Despite having a week of rest, I predict Kentucky to fall to the Volunteers. In the past, Kentucky has struggled to stop losses from snowballing. After the bruises they’ll likely take from South Carolina, it’s easy to expect the same fate.

Getting back on their feet

If Kentucky can survive these early choppy waters, they’ll be rewarded with some smooth sailing… At least for a few games.

Following their game against Tennessee, Kentucky will face Florida, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. None of these squads are currently in the AP Top 25, nor did any of them outrank the ‘Cats in the Preseason SEC Women’s Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll.

In spite of Kentucky’s seemingly obvious advantage over these squads, there will be more on the line than in a typical game, especially against Ole Miss. Kentucky lost twice last season to Ole Miss. With Rebels star big Shakira Austin back, Kentucky will be out to avenge their surprising losses from the previous year.

Dozen Dubs pic.twitter.com/ALy1Q4iyf6

— Ole Miss Women's BB (@OleMissWBB) December 21, 2021

I believe they will succeed in their mission. With any luck, Kentucky should be able to pick up three wins during this stretch before heading back into the eye of the storm.

Back to the grind for Kentucky WBB

The Wildcats’ next three games will make or break their season. The ‘Cats will face No. 19 LSU, No. 23 Texas A&M and, for the second time in the season, South Carolina.

Despite the rankings telling a different story, I believe each game will be more difficult than the last. LSU may have a higher rank than UK, but their competition hasn’t been nearly as difficult. The Tigers have only played one ranked team this season, while Kentucky has played three. Riding the high from their previous games, Kentucky should defeat LSU.

The party is just getting started. Up next for the ‘Cats is the team that placed second in the Preseason SEC Women’s Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll: Texas A&M. The same program that dominated the ‘Cats by 17 points last season. To top it off, it’s the same squad that beat DePaul (a team Kentucky lost to earlier this year) by 20 points. In other words, Texas A&M’s ranking shouldn’t make BBN feel safe.

Ran 'em out the gym 😤#GigEm | #BTHOdepaul pic.twitter.com/kWL2JVggvu

— Texas A&M Women's Basketball (@AggieWBB) November 16, 2021

Nonetheless, Kentucky will have a week to prepare for Texas A&M, while the Aggies will have just three days. Not to mention, Texas A&M will be coming into the Wildcats’ den. With all of these factors taken into consideration, I have faith Kentucky will pull out perhaps their most exciting win of the season.

The excitement won’t last for long as the team will square off against South Carolina just four days later. Once again, I predict Kentucky to fall to the Gamecocks. However, they’ll come closer than in their first attempt. The ‘Cats don’t have to beat South Carolina, especially if they have a solid final run in their conference.

Finishing strong

Once again, the Wildcats will be rewarded for their labor. To close out conference play, Kentucky will face five unranked squads: Alabama, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Missouri and Auburn. Four of these teams were in the bottom five of the Preseason SEC Women’s Basketball Coaches Preseason Poll.

As easy as it would be to assume Kentucky will triumph in all five of these final games, it wouldn’t be logical. The SEC isn’t forgiving, especially at the end of the year. Fans should expect the ‘Cats to drop at least one of these contests, as will I. Specifically, Kentucky will most likely suffer a loss to Arkansas after being lulled to sleep by their two previous contests.

Final thoughts on Kentucky WBB conference play

Kentucky’s non-conference play was entertaining but not satisfying. In four contests against competitive opponents, Kentucky only won once. Luckily for the ‘Cats, they’ll have plenty of chances to redeem themselves.

If Kentucky meets my expectations, they’ll finish with only four losses in the SEC; a substantial improvement from the six losses last season. With countless potential mountains and valleys ahead, nobody can perfectly predict Kentucky Women’s Basketball’s future. Nevertheless, it’ll be fun.