Pope Update

Another bad day for the Administration and the press, as UK blows a golden chance to win at Auburn.  Instead, the Tigers break a five-game losing streak with a 75-74 win over the Cats, who are now 8-6 in the SEC, 17-10 overall, and 30 on Ken Pom.  After three losses in a row, the Cats are down to 250 in luck, so they may be due for another close win.

Meanwhile, the cream has risen to the top of the SEC.  The top four teams are all coached by men who have taken teams to the Final Four:

Florida:  12-2

Tennessee:  10-4

Arkansas:  10-4

Alabama:  10-4

Texas A & M:  9-5

Vanderbilt:  8-6

Kentucky:  8-6

Texas:  8-6

Missouri:  8-6

The Cats' next game is at South Carolina (3-11).  If they lose that one, they will be in grave danger of missing the NCAA's altogether.  While that may be inconvenient for UK fans, at least we have the comfort of knowing that Mitch Barnhart has the coach he wanted.  And isn't that what really matters?

Here's the Classic SEC ranking, according to Ken Pom:

5.  Florida:  21-6

13.  Vanderbilt:  21-6

14.  Tennessee:  20-7

20.  Alabama:  20-7

30.  Kentucky:  17-10

34.  Auburn:  15-12

37.  Georgia:  19-8

53.  Louisiana St:  14-13

82.  Mississippi:  11-16

90.  Mississippi St:  13-14