As Kentucky prepares for another tough SEC road test, the Wildcats are facing No. 14 Mississippi State on Saturday evening. With a 1-2 record in true road games this season, Kentucky will need to make adjustments following their recent loss to Georgia. Mississippi State, on the other hand, has been on a hot streak, winning eight consecutive games and proving to be a formidable force in the SEC.
The KSR staff has shared their predictions ahead of the 8:30 p.m. EST tip-off in Starkville. While some believe Kentucky will bounce back from their struggles, others are more cautious, acknowledging the physicality and grit Mississippi State brings to the table.
Nick Roush sees a potential revenge game for Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, who torched Kentucky with 34 points in a previous matchup. Roush highlights the importance of Kentucky’s Lamont Butler stepping up and limiting Hubbard’s impact, but ultimately picks the Wildcats to emerge victorious with a narrow 88-86 win.
Tyler Thompson is less optimistic, citing Kentucky’s struggles with physicality, especially on the road. With Mississippi State’s aggressive defense and offensive rebounding, Thompson predicts a Bulldogs win, 82-78, noting that Kentucky’s road woes are likely to continue.
Adam Luckett believes Kentucky’s resilience following losses will come through, predicting a bounce-back performance in Starkville. He expects solid shooting from the Wildcats and tight defense to counter Mississippi State’s strengths, giving Kentucky a 77-75 win.
Drew Franklin, though hopeful, predicts another SEC road loss for Kentucky. He feels the Bulldogs’ physicality and the environment in Humphrey Coliseum will be too much for the Wildcats to handle, giving Mississippi State a 82-76 win.
Jack Pilgrim is more confident in Kentucky’s ability to rise to the occasion, picking a 80-79 win for the Wildcats. He points to the team’s strong record after losses and believes Kentucky will come through in a tight, tough matchup.
Zack Geoghegan also predicts a close game, with Kentucky edging out Mississippi State 79-76, highlighting Kentucky’s previous ability to respond after losses and noting the importance of limiting Mississippi State’s three-point shooting.
As the SEC battle continues, Kentucky has the chance to make a statement on the road, but Mississippi State’s defense and momentum will provide a serious challenge.
