Kentucky Wildcats vs
Mississippi St. BulldogsPredictions & Preview

Kentucky Faces Tough Challenge Against Mississippi State in Marquee Matchup at Rupp Arena

In a marquee matchup between ranked teams, Kentucky faces off against Mississippi State in the Magnolia State. Kentucky looks to bounce back from a loss to Georgia, while Mississippi State aims to continue their winning streak after defeating Vanderbilt. Historically, Kentucky has dominated the series with a 103-21 record and winning the last four meetings. Mississippi State is favored to win, opening at -5 and currently at -6.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wildcats +170 | Bulldogs -208
• Spread: Wildcats +6 (-110) | Bulldogs -6 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 160.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Mississippi St. will win straight-up is 68%.

Kentucky vs Mississippi St. Stats

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky suffered a setback against Georgia after their thrilling win over #6 Florida, dropping their overall record to 12-3. Despite a strong start in the game, the Wildcats struggled to maintain momentum and were outscored in key stretches, ultimately falling short. Lamont Butler led the team with 20 points in the loss. On the season, Kentucky boasts impressive offensive statistics, ranking 3rd in scoring offense nationally. Key players like Otega Oweh, Lamont Butler, and others contribute consistently to the team's success. Defensively, however, the Wildcats have room for improvement, allowing an average of 73.9 points per game. Kentucky's power ranking places them at 66, with strengths in offense but weaknesses in defense. Overall, the Wildcats show promise but need to focus on tightening up their defensive play moving forward.

Mississippi St. Bulldogs Analysis

Mississippi State extended their win streak to eight games with a victory over Vanderbilt, improving to 14-1 overall and 2-0 in the SEC. The Bulldogs demonstrated a strong offensive performance, shooting 47.4% from the floor and limiting Vanderbilt to 37.5% shooting. RJ Melendez led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds. Mississippi State ranks 28th in scoring average, 45th in rebounding, and 61st in scoring defense nationally. They are led by top scorers Josh Hubbard and KeShawn Murphy. The Bulldogs have a power ranking of 10 and are 29th in offense and 64th in defense. They are 14-1 overall and 9-6 ATS. Mississippi State shoots 47.6% from the field, 34.2% from three-point range, and 70.2% from the free throw line. Their defense allows 40.65% field goals and 32.84% three-pointers. Mississippi State averages 39.27 rebounds, 17.27 offensive assists, and 9.60 turnovers per game. Additionally, they average 34.20 defensive rebounds, 11.87 defensive assists, and 14.67 turnovers per game.

Mississippi State Poised to Dominate Kentucky in Showdown at Rupp Arena

Kentucky is acknowledged as a formidable opponent, particularly when playing at their home court, the Rupp Arena. The Wildcats have demonstrated a lower level of performance in their two away games this season, with an average of 67.5 points scored and resulting in two losses. Despite this, Kentucky has secured victories on neutral ground against the likes of Gonzaga and Duke, while suffering defeat at the hands of Ohio State. Following a significant decrease in offensive output against Georgia, they now face a strong Mississippi State team. The Bulldogs have shown consistency on both offense and defense this season, supported by a deep roster. With a flawless 7-0 home record, and only one close game among them, Mississippi State appears to be a favorable choice in this matchup. Considering Kentucky's road performance, it is advisable to support Mississippi State in this contest.

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