Despite the Kentucky Wildcats ’ early exit from the SEC Tournament at the hands of Oklahoma, they remain in a strong position heading into the NCAA Tournament. ESPN women's bracketologist Charlie Creme projects Kentucky as a No. 3 seed, reinforcing their opportunity to host the first two rounds of the tournament.

Mark Pope's first season guiding Kentucky, his alma mater, always will be viewed through the prism of how the Wildcats fare in the NCAA Tournament.

During the first half of 6 seed Kentucky’s win over 14 seed Oklahoma in the second round of the SEC Tournament, UK fifth-year guard Lamont Butler reinjured his left shoulder. Butler — Kentucky’s starting point guard and a key point-of-attack defender for the Wildcats — reinjured his left shoulder while driving to the basket midway through the first half.

By Keith Taylor Kentucky Today Shorthanded Kentucky gave Alabama its best shot before the Tide wore down the Wildcats in the second half and advanced to the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals with a 99-70 rout on Friday night at Bridgestone Arena.

The key talking points after Mark Pope and the Wildcats’ blowout defeat against Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide in the men’s SEC Tournament quarterfinals.

The Kentucky Wildcats beat the Oklahoma Sooners to advance in the SEC tournament for the first time since 2022.