The Kentucky Wildcats were slightly tested on Friday, but not enough to ruin the team's undefeated record. Now sitting at 32-0 on the year, the Wildcats are hoping for any easy run in the SEC conference tournament before heading off to gain the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. At least two teams stand in the Wildcats' way of achieving that goal and the Auburn Tigers will get the first crack at trying to upset Kentucky's perfect run.
The Wildcats now face the No. 13 seeded Auburn Tigers before reaching the SEC conference tournament finals. The Tigers are likely a shocked they made it this far, winning three games to get to face Kentucky. They certainly did not look the part of contenders when they lost their last six games of the regular season, including one to Kentucky on Fe. 21. Auburn has three tournament game wins including their thrilling matchup against LSU that was sent into overtime thanks to a last-second 3-point shot from KT Harrell. The Tigers went on to beat LSU 73-70.
Auburn only earned four wins during SEC play in the regular season while shooting 39.6 percent. However, they have found their shots in this tournament and hope to keep momentum alive as they prepare to play Kentucky who has just one win so far with a defeat of Florida. Auburn is playing well enough to be a threat to Wildcats as they have averaged 65.7 points in their last three wins.
Kentucky did not break too much of a sweat in their win over Florida. If their last win over Auburn is an indication of how this matchup should, it will be much of the same for the Wildcats. Kentucky had one of their best offensive nights against the Tigers, as six players finished in double figures with Anthony Mason leading with 29 for Auburn and Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 for Kentucky. The Tigers were able to go 11 of 19 from 3-point range, but it simply was not enough.
The Wildcats were challenged early against the Gators, but pulled away easily in the second half. So far they have yet to be truly challenge in the SEC, but Auburn hopes to change that.