#17 Kentucky Faces Surging Mississippi State in High-Stakes Showdown
The #17 Kentucky Wildcats (19-8, 9-5 SEC), fresh off a dominant win over #13 Alabama, ride into Starkville to face a red-hot Mississippi State Bulldogs team (19-8, 8-6 SEC) seeking a statement victory to bolster their NCAA tournament chances. Expect fireworks as this game has earned KenPom’s highest “thrill score” for Tuesday’s slate.
Bulldog Momentum vs. Kentucky Dominance
Mississippi State enters on a five-game winning streak, fueled by senior guard Chris Jans’ scoring prowess. Kentucky boasts a strong recent record against Mississippi State, having won 15 of the last 16 meetings and 9 of the last 10 in Humphrey Coliseum. Sophomore forward Zvonimir Ivisic will be a key player for the Wildcats.
A Tale of Two Models
Our predictive models offer a fascinating contrast. Season-long data suggests a nail-biter ending in an 81-81 tie. However, a model focused on the past 7 games heavily favors Kentucky, 92-84. This discrepancy highlights Mississippi State’s recent surge against less-formidable opponents, compared to Kentucky’s wins against top-ranked teams like Alabama and Auburn.
Tournament Implications and Betting Trends
While Kentucky seems comfortably bound for the NCAA tournament, this game holds massive implications for Mississippi State’s postseason hopes. Kentucky’s 18-8 ATS record and Mississippi State’s 14-12 ATS record add another layer of intrigue for bettors.
Get Ready for a Clash of Styles
Expect a thrilling clash between Mississippi State’s momentum and Kentucky’s traditional dominance in this rivalry. Will the Bulldogs’ home-court advantage and hot streak be enough to upset the Wildcats, or will Kentucky’s pedigree and recent form prevail?
Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- TV: ESPN
- Where: Starkville, Mississippi
- Venue: Humphrey Coliseum