Kentucky basketball split their schedule last week, thumping the No. 11 Texas A&M Aggies (81-69) and falling late to No. 4 Alabama (102-97) with both games being played at Rupp Arena.

Despite a loss coming as the result from the Alabama matchup, Kentucky played one of their better games of the season. Because of that effort, they might just stay put or even move up in a few analytical rankings.

Here’s what we know so far.

While the NET Rankings dropped Kentucky from No. 10 to No. 12, several lists actually saw Kentucky move up in the rankings.

EvanMiya moved the Wildcats up from No. 20 to No. 18, along with DRatings adjusting their ranking of Kentucky from No. 18 to No. 16.

Haslametrics also slid UK up from No. 23 to No. 20.

ESPN’s Basketball Power Index has Kentucky at No. 20, too, which is where they had Kentucky ranked last week.

This week, the Wildcats have a “mini bye” with their next game not coming until Saturday at Vanderbilt.

Not only is this beneficial for practice and prep, but it will also allow for players like Andrew Carr and Lamont Butler to recover from the injuries those two have been playing through.

Vanderbilt is coming off of a major upset over Tennessee this past Saturday but have a daunting road matchup at Alabama on Tuesday.

The Commodores are 15-3 on the season and share the same record of 3-2 as Kentucky when it comes to Southeastern Conference games.

Despite Vanderbilt proving they are a very good team by knocking off Tennessee over the weekend, this Saturday is unquestionably a must-win for the Wildcats.

The SEC is one of the more loaded conferences we’ve seen in recent memory and winning games like this one will be incredibly valuable when it comes to seeding for both the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt are scheduled to tip at 2:30 PM ET on Saturday with television coverage on ESPN.

Check back here throughout the day for updates on where Kentucky stands in the official rankings!

Tweet of the Day

Another big dub.

Headlines

Cats Understand What Went Wrong Against Tide – Vaught’s Views

Extra time to fix things this week before Vandy on Saturday.

Josh Allen leads Bills past Ravens to reach AFC Championship – ESPN

Heck of a game.

Different Role Has Been Just Fine for Georgia Amoore – Vaught’s Views

Playing better than anyone in the country.

CFP hasn’t ruled out ‘tweaks’ to 12-team format for 2025 – ESPN

Change feels inevitable.

Five reasons not to panic about Kentucky’s loss to Alabama – KSR

It really was a great game.

Commanders’ Sam Cosmi has torn ACL, out for rest of playoffs – ESPN

Tough break for Washington.

UK’s “bye” comes at perfect time for Lamont Butler, Andrew Carr – KSR

Extra rest for two key players.

Rams’ Matthew Stafford says he’ll take time to decide future – ESPN

Changes coming for LA?