Offense meets defense when the Mississippi State Bulldogs (16-6, 4-5 SEC) welcome the No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats (19-3, 8-1 SEC) to Humphrey Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they thoroughly outplayed the South Carolina Gamecocks, 76-48. The Wildcats made 21 of their 27 free throws (77.8 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 53.8 (above their season average of 37.5). Kentucky received a boost from EJ Montgomery, who put up 11 points and 13 rebounds.
The Bulldogs fell to the No. 21 LSU Tigers in their last contest, 92-88. LSU’s 39.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Mississippi State, who had a rate of 31.3. The Tigers’ mark was above their season average of 36.7. With 19 points and 10 rebounds, Mississippi State’s Reggie Perry had a solid performance.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Mississippi State takes on the elite defense of Kentucky. The Bulldogs rank 35th in offensive efficiency, while the Wildcats are 15th in defensive efficiency.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Washington scored a game-high 21 points in the first game, in which the Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs 76-55. He also recorded six rebounds. The Wildcats had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.508 vs. 0.336) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 vs. 34.9).
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Kentucky, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Kentucky ranks 34th in rebounds per game (39.2) while Mississippi State ranks 115th (36.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.6, up from 14.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (matching their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (10.7 above their season average).
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