Kentucky’s inconsistent play this year has left the Wildcats without a chance to defend their national championship.
There was no at-large NCAA tournament bid for the young Kentucky squad that could not overcome injuries, sporadic guard play and a lack of leadership.
A 16-point loss in Friday’s must-win game in the Southeastern Conference tournament against Vanderbilt sealed the fate of the Wildcats, who were left out of the 68-team field.
Kentucky becomes the 20th defending national champion to be left out of the NCAA tournament field and first since North Carolina in 2010.
Kentucky did get a No. 1 seed in the National Invitation Tournament. The Wildcats will open on the road at Robert Morris tomorrow.
Kentucky athletic department spokesman DeWayne Peevy said the school is not hosting a first-round game because it did not bid on one because of conflicts at Rupp Arena.
The Wildcats aren’t the only SEC team snubbed.
Alabama and Tennessee also missed the cut, marking the first time in 39 years that the Wildcats, Crimson Tide and Volunteers were left out of the same NCAA tournament.
The Wildcats (21-11) and Crimson Tide (21-12) are No. 1 seeds in the NIT, along with Southern Mississippi and Virginia.
Alabama was likely done in by late road losses at Florida and Ole Miss.
The Tide beat Tennessee in the conference tournament but lost a rematch with the Gators on a neutral court.
Southern Miss (25-9) lost in double overtime to Memphis in the Conference USA title game with an NCAA bid on the line. The Golden Eagles will host Charleston Southern on Wednesday.
Virginia (21-11), which was blown out by North Carolina State in the ACC tournament quarterfinals, hosts Norfolk State tomorrow.
Texas has no teams in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1977 — no Longhorns, Baylor Bears, Texas A&M Aggies, Red Raiders or Owls.