NCAA Bracketology: Kentucky climbed to a No. 3 seed with the win at Tennessee

After a dip in results due to injuries and poor performance, Kentucky finished the season strong, winning eight of nine games in league play and the last five games of the season, including the big one in Knoxville on Saturday. For their hot finish, the Wildcats found the latest NCAA Tournament projections more desirable than some Bracketologies in February. There was a time when Kentucky was projected to be a No. 6 seed in the Big Dance. They’re now a No. 3, according to ESPN.

Late Saturday night, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi updated his Bracketology team rankings, moving Kentucky from the No. 13 overall seed in his field to the No. 12 team. Though only one spot, the move promoted the Wildcats from a No. 4 seed to the last No. 3 seed in Lunardi’s latest Bracketology. Kentucky switched places with Kansas after the Jayhawks got drilled by Houston on Saturday.

On the No. 1 seed line, Tennessee kept its No. 1 seed projection, sliding behind Purdue, Houston, and UConn as the top seeds. Arizona, North Carolina, Duke, and Marquette are the No. 2s, while Lunardi’s 3s are Iowa State, Baylor, Creighton, and Kentucky. He has Kentucky playing in the South Region (Dallas).

Lunardi’s breakdown of No. 1-4 seeds

No. 1 seeds: (1) Purdue, (2) Houston, (3) UConn, (4) Tennessee
No. 2 seeds: (5) Arizona, (6) North Carolina, (7) Duke, (8) Marquette
No. 3 seeds: (9) Iowa State, (10) Baylor, (11) Creighton, (12) Kentucky
No. 4 seeds: (13) Kansas, (14) Alabama, (15) Illinois, (16) Auburn

See his Bracketology going into Saturday’s slate of games here.