As Kentucky gears up for its NCAA Tournament opener against Troy, the Wildcats have made major strides in three critical areas—ball control, three-point shooting, and defense—which could make them a serious contender in March Madness.
Stronger Ball Control
Turnovers were a significant issue earlier in the season, leading to multiple close losses. Kentucky had a 2-6 record when committing 14 or more turnovers but has since tightened up their ball-handling, averaging just 11 turnovers per game in recent contests. This improvement has limited costly mistakes and created more scoring opportunities.
Sharpened Three-Point Attack
Coach Mark Pope emphasized the importance of three-point shooting all season, and the Wildcats have stepped up. Kentucky is now averaging 28 three-point attempts per game, with a 40% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. Their record speaks for itself—16-3 when making 10 or more threes. If they continue this trend, their offensive firepower could be a major asset in the tournament.
Locked-In Defense
Defense has been Kentucky’s biggest improvement. Earlier in the season, they allowed multiple opponents to score over 90 points, but recent adjustments have led to better rebounding, stronger perimeter defense, and improved transition play. Their efforts have moved them from 112th to 56th in KenPom’s defensive efficiency rankings.
The Wildcats Are Ready for March Madness
With fewer turnovers, more three-pointers, and a tougher defense, Kentucky looks primed for a deep tournament run. Their first test comes against Troy, but if they maintain these improvements, the Wildcats could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NCAA Tournament.
