The Kentucky Wildcats put up an impressive run during non-conference play, but have not exactly looked the same since entering the SEC schedule. Yes, the team is undefeated at 15-0 on the season, but they had two close calls with sub-par teams that might have coaches and fans slightly worried. After needing overtime to beat Mississippi and two overtimes to beat Texas A&M, the Wildcats have no intentions of overlooking a Missouri Tigers team that might have some confidence entering the matchup.
The Wildcats finally beat the Aggies 70-64 thanks to Devin Booker's 18 points and a 3-point shot from Tyler Ulis with just over a minute to play. At one point, Kentucky trailed by 11 points in the first half but free throws earned the team over time. Booker came up big in the game as he currently averages 14.8 points while shooting 58.5 percent over the past five games. That is a big improvement from the 8.4 points he averaged through the first nine games of the year.
Kentucky has history in their favor against Missouri as they are 6-0 against the Tigers since they joined the SEC. In their last matchup, Aaron Harrison put up 21 points in the 90-83 win. Missouri has lost five straight to ranked teams which does not bode well for their future on Tuesday.
Missouri started their SEC play with a win over LSU, but are coming off a loss to Auburn after leading by four with just over six minutes to play. Keith Shamburger had a season-high 21 points, but it was not goot enough to get the win. The issue for Missouri is they are playing with their second-leading scorer in freshman Montaque Gill-Caesar who is averaging 11.5 points per game.
Kentucky is looking to put together a statement conference win, something they have yet to do. According to head coach John Callapari, the Wildcats are not playing like a team that is undefeated and they have a lot to improve on if they are going to make a serious run this year.