UK's Last 4 Non-Conference Games

After playing 2 huge rivals the last 2 Saturdays, most UK fans probably think that they can relax during the next 4 games before conference play starts. However these 4 teams are better than you might think and they will give Kentucky some problems. Now I still expect a win in all 4 games, but the opponents shouldn't be taken lightly. The good thing about playing these kinds of teams is that it will help UK's rpi more than playing a bunch of nobodies.

Dec. 19 - Santa Clara (8-3)
Wins = Holy Names, Utah, San Jose St., Hawaii, Alabama St., @ Pacific, Eastern Washington, @ Stanford
Losses = @ California, Nevada, @ Missouri St.

None of their losses are bad and wins vs. Utah and @ Stanford are pretty impressive.

Dec. 22 - UMass (9-2)
Wins = Dartmouth, Oakland, Northeastern, St. Francis NY, @ Jacksonville St., @ Savannah St., @ Boston U, Central Conn., @ Louisville
Losses = @ Pittsburgh, Boston College

Another team that has 2 "quality" losses (I hate that term). Their win at Louisville I'm sure got the attention of the UK players if they needed any help.

Dec. 29 - Eastern Kentucky (7-3)
Wins = Asbury, East Tenn. St, Kenyon, @ NC Asheville, @ James Madison, Murray St, @ Eastern Illinois
Losses = @ Ohio St., @ Western Kentucky, Austin Peay

Not as good as the 2 previous teams, but probably an upper level OVC team that is familiar with UK.

Jan. 3 - Houston (4-3)
Wins = @ Rhode Island, Monmouth, Grambling, Prairie View
Losses = @ St. Louis, @ Va. Commonwealth, @ Arizona

Average 97 pts. their wins, but just 75 in their losses, and allow 90 in losses. Should be an uptempo game in Lexington, but UK is able to handle that.