The Kentucky Wildcats are set to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 PM ET and will be broadcast live on the SEC Network.
Kentucky enters this matchup following a recent 82-69 loss to Georgia, marking their second road defeat of the season. In that game, the Wildcats struggled offensively, shooting just 27% from beyond the arc and facing foul troubles that hindered their performance. This loss brought their overall record to 12-3 and 1-1 in SEC play.
On the other hand, Mississippi State has been impressive this season, boasting a 14-1 overall record and remaining undefeated at home. Under the guidance of head coach Chris Jans, the Bulldogs have secured notable victories against teams like SMU, Memphis, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. Their only loss came at the hands of Butler. The Bulldogs are known for their robust defense, allowing an average of just 66.5 points per game, which could pose a significant challenge for Kentucky’s offense.
Leading the charge for Mississippi State is guard Josh Hubbard, who averages 17 points per game. He is supported by key contributors such as Claudell Harris Jr. and RJ Melendez, both of whom have been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ success this season.
For Kentucky, players like Lamont Butler, who led the team with 20 points and four steals in the game against Georgia, will need to step up. Additionally, Brandon Garrison and Otega Oweh, who contributed 13 and 12 points respectively in the same game, will be crucial in countering Mississippi State’s defensive prowess.
According to predictions from various analytics platforms, Kentucky is expected to face a tough challenge. KenPom and Bart Torvik project a loss for the Wildcats by approximately five points, with estimated scores ranging from 86-79 to 85-80 in favor of Mississippi State.
In terms of betting odds, the Wildcats are listed as 4.5-point underdogs for this matchup, reflecting the formidable home-court advantage that Mississippi State holds.
For fans looking to catch the action, the game will be available for streaming on ESPN+, and radio coverage can be accessed via the UK Sports Network. Given the stakes and the competitive nature of both teams, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter in SEC basketball.
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