Possible March Madness Opponents for Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament
As Kentucky basketball gears up for March Madness with the final week of the regular season approaching, fans should familiarize themselves with potential opponents for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats have had a mixed 2024-25 season, currently holding a 19-10 overall record (8-8 SEC) while ranking among the top teams nationally in scoring, averaging 85.3 points per game (4th overall). However, their defense remains a concern, giving up 77.2 points per game, which could be a weakness against disciplined or high-scoring teams in the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, Kentucky will be without Jaxson Robinson for the remainder of the season.
Projected NCAA Tournament Opponents
First-Round Matchup Possibilities
As a projected 4-seed, Kentucky is expected to face a 13-seed in the first round. Based on current bracketology projections, these teams could be in that range:
High Point University Panthers
Record: 26-5 (14-2 Big South)
Team Stats:
Points: 82.4 PPG
FG%: 49.4%
3PT%: 36.6%
Rebounds: 36.4 RPG
Defense: 68.8 PPG allowed
Key Players:
Kezza Giffa (G): 14.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 44.4% FG, 32.1% 3PT
Juslin Bodo Bodo (F): 5.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 63.3% FG
Bobby Pettiford (G): 8.5 PPG, 3.5 APG, 61.1% FG
Matchup Analysis:
High Point excels in offensive efficiency and fast-paced play, ranking among the best in field goal percentage. Their 82.4 PPG offense could pose a challenge for Kentucky’s defense (77.2 PPG allowed), especially with Giffa’s playmaking and Pettiford’s high shooting percentage. However, Kentucky has the edge in rebounding (39.4 RPG vs. 36.4 RPG).
Lipscomb University Bisons
Record: 22-9 (14-4 ASUN)
Team Stats:
Points: 79.2 PPG
FG%: 47.3%
3PT%: 35.6%
Rebounds: 35.8 RPG
Defense: 67.2 PPG allowed
Key Players:
Jacob Ognacevic (F): 20.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 58.2% FG, 41.3% 3PT
Will Pruitt (G): 13.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 46.5% FG
Gyasi Powell (G): 11.7 PPG, 37.4% 3PT
Earlier Matchup vs. Kentucky:
Kentucky defeated Lipscomb 97-68 earlier this season, dominating on the glass with a 43-28 rebounding advantage. Lipscomb’s three-point shooting was a major struggle (5-29, 17.2%), a key weakness against Kentucky’s offense.
Matchup Analysis:
Ognacevic’s inside-out scoring could pose more of a challenge this time around, particularly with Kentucky’s current injuries.
Akron University Zips
Record: 23-6 (15-1 MAC)
Team Stats:
Points: 83.4 PPG
FG%: 46.7%
3PT%: 35.5%
Rebounds: 39.4 RPG
Defense: 74.0 PPG allowed
Key Players:
Nate Johnson (G): 13.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 44.9% FG
Tavari Johnson (G): 13.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, 45.7% FG
Isaiah Gray (G): 9.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG
Matchup Analysis:
Akron’s offense and rebounding numbers nearly mirror Kentucky’s. Their 83.4 PPG offense and 39.4 RPG could create a shootout, but Kentucky’s superior shooting efficiency may help them pull away in this matchup.
Yale University Bulldogs
Record: 19-7 (12-1 Ivy)
Team Stats:
Points: 82.7 PPG
FG%: 49.3%
3PT%: 38.3%
Rebounds: 39.6 RPG
Defense: 70.0 PPG allowed
Key Players:
John Poulakidas (G): 18.9 PPG, 40.0% 3PT
Nick Townsend (F): 15.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 53.4% FG
Bez Mbeng (G): 13.4 PPG, 5.9 APG
Matchup Analysis:
Yale’s efficient shooting and rebounding (39.6 RPG) could help neutralize Kentucky’s rebounding edge. Poulakidas’ strong three-point shooting (40.0%) would be a challenge for Kentucky, which will need to increase the pace of play to secure a win.
Liberty University Flames
Record: 23-6 (11-5 C-USA)
Team Stats:
Points: 75.4 PPG
FG%: 48.5%
3PT%: 37.8%
Rebounds: 33.3 RPG
Defense: 61.7 PPG allowed
Key Players:
Kaden Metheny (G): 13.2 PPG, 38.1% 3PT
Taelon Peter (G): 12.8 PPG, 55.8% FG
Zach Cleveland (F): 10.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.0 APG
Matchup Analysis:
Liberty’s elite defense (61.7 PPG allowed) could pose a challenge to Kentucky’s high-scoring offense. However, Liberty’s struggles in rebounding (33.3 RPG) and Kentucky’s faster pace may tip the scales in the Wildcats’ favor.
James Madison University Dukes
Record: 20-11 (13-5 Sun Belt)
Team Stats:
Points: 74.1 PPG
FG%: 44.2%
3PT%: 34.8%
Rebounds: 35.8 RPG
Defense: 70.2 PPG allowed
Key Players:
Mark Freeman (G): 15.2 PPG, 3.2 APG, 34.1% 3PT
Bryce Lindsay (G): 13.6 PPG, 41.5% 3PT
Elijah Hutchins-Everett (C): 11.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG
Matchup Analysis:
James Madison’s balanced scoring and perimeter shooting could challenge Kentucky’s defense.