NCAA Picks and Tips: Kentucky Wildcats and Mississippi State Bulldogs
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
by Mike Stewart
No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats is aware of the potential trap that awaits it when it visits Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Wildcats are trying to become the third team in 55 years to go undefeated in the Southeastern Conference, but have found the Bulldogs to be a difficult opponent.
The two teams have split their last six games and the average margin of victory has been 4.9 points in the last seven meetings. Both teams are known for their stiff defense; opponents are shooting only 36.2 percent against Kentucky and 42.9 against Miss State.
But Kentucky, which has won 18 straight games, has the advantage on offense, averaging 77.8 points with five players in double figures, compared to Miss State’s 72.5 points per game.
- Kentucky Wildcats @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
When: 9:00 PM ET, Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Where: Humphrey Coliseum, Starkville, Mississippi
TV: ET. ESPN
The Wildcats have opened as 9-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NCAA Basketball Odds.
Kentucky Wildcats (26-1): Hard to believe that all-conference forward Terrence Jones just picked up his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds against Ole Miss. Freshman Anthony Davis has elevated himself into discussion to become national player of the year; he’s averaging 13.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.9 blocks. Point guard Marquis Teague is averaging 8.7 assists over the last three games. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has seen his offensive production drop off, but he’s had seven or more rebounds in six of his last seven games. Doron Lamb is averaging 3.25 3-pointers over the last four games.
Mississippi State Bulldogs (19-8): The Bulldogs have lost three straight and dropped out of the top 25 after an embarrassing 10-point loss at Auburn. Arnett Moultrie continues to be the Bulldogs most consistent player, averaging 16.5 points and an SEC-best 10.8 rebounds; he’s had 15 double-doubles, including 16 points and 11 rebounds against Auburn. Dee Bost will need a good showing against the Wildcats; he’s averaging 15.8 points and 5.0 assists and is now third in school history for 3-pointers and assists. Wendell Lewis started at forward for the first time since Jan. 7 and scored only three points, but had five rebounds, in 29 minutes.
1. Kentucky is 9-2 against Miss State when ranked No. 1.
2. Teague’s assist-turnover ratio of 2.1, better than the 1.3 mark held by John Wall in 2010 and Brandon Knight in 2011 at the same time.
3. Miss State is 9-0 when Moultrie scores at least 20 points.
NCAA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Wildcats 75, Bulldogs 64.
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anthony davis - arnett moultrie - brandon knight - dee bost - doron lamb - humphrey coliseum - john wall - kentucky wildcats - marquis teague - michael kidd-gilchrist
