The Kentucky Wildcats are heading into Christmas coming off their second (and worst) loss of the season. They were handed a sound defeat by the Ohio State Buckeyes in this past weekend’s CBS Sports Classic, dropping them from No. 4 to No. 10 in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings.

It’s a loss on their resume that will linger for some time, but considering the competition that lies ahead on their schedule… there’s a real chance of putting this past weekend in the rearview mirror and never looking back.

Kentucky is on the cusp of Southeastern Conference play, a test that will truly define just how good Mark Pope’s Wildcats are.

In order to live up to the challenge, Kentucky will need to improve in a few statistical categories — such as making more 3-pointers and forcing turnovers on defense — but also improve their toughness and consistent offense from their better players.

Kentucky can’t be pushed around inside and allow opposing players to get whatever they want inside. They also have to finish better around the rim and capitalize on opportunities when they get to the basket.

Players like Andrew Carr, Lamont Butler, and Otega Oweh have all had fantastic moments in their young UK careers, but Kentucky needs their veteran trio to be much more consistent at both ends of the court.

The Wildcats played their worst basketball of the season against Ohio State, and they were exposed. OSU went up and down the court and got pretty much whatever they wanted while limiting Kentucky’s ability to move the ball on offense, bottling up whatever flow the Wildcats thought they’d have.

SEC teams will watch that film and lick their chops, so Kentucky must adjust.

Thankfully, the Wildcats have extra prep time and one last non-conference game against Brown on New Year’s Eve to get their heads right.

Saying this, what do you believe Kentucky’s biggest wishes from Santa need to be? Let us know in the comments section!

Tweet of the Day

Here we go!

Headlines

Tim Couch Praises Phenomenal UK Fanbase – Vaught’s Views

Nothing like the BBN.

Carson Beck undergoes season-ending elbow surgery – ESPN

Brutal.

Pope is Confident Cats will Respond the Right Way – Vaught’s Views

Time to rebound is now.

Texans claim WR Diontae Johnson off waivers from Ravens – ESPN

Desperate times.

UK rarely turns the ball over, but neither do their opponents – KSR

Definitely a concern.

Aaron Rodgers suggests Jets might release him after season – ESPN

Can he blame them?

Kentucky is outside the top 100 in 3-point shooting – KSR

Need better opportunities.

Auburn gains on top-ranked Tennessee in CBB Rankings- CBS Sports

The SEC just means more.