Kentucky will head into the NCAA Tournament as the first major conference team to be undefeated since Indiana in 1976.
The No. 1 Wildcats improved to 34-0 by winning their 28th SEC Tournament title with a convincing 78-63 victory over Arkansas in Nashville.
If they finish the NCAA Tournament unbeaten on April 6, Kentucky would be 40-0.
“We haven’t lost one yet, this is ridiculous to be honest with you,” Kentucky coach John Calipari told ESPN’s Shannon Spake.
“But let’s get on with this next tournament. We know how hard it’s going to be. Every game we’re gonna play is a war, we’re not going to get a pass. It’s going to be a hard bracket, we know it, and that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong that. Our thing is, let’s be at our best. Let individuals be the best version of themselves. It’s not the best-of-five, these are one-and-done games, you’re in or you’re out.”
This is the second straight year a team has entered the Big Dance unbeaten following Wichita State last year. The Shockers lost to Kentucky last year in the round of 32.
Willie Cauley-Stein went for 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks, Andrew Harrison added 15 points and Aaron Harrison had 12.
“We get everybody’s best shot, so coming into the tournament next week we’re going to get whoever we’re matched up with’s best shot,” Cauley-Stein said. “And they’re going to get our best shot so it’s going to be a good game regardless. And the whole season prepared us for it.”
Photo: USA Today sports
