The Kentucky Wildcats are young and have showed it a few times during non-conference play this season. The team, which started ranked No. 2 in the league, is now sitting at No. 14 after three losses against top opponents. The team has not played since beating No.12 Louisville back at the end of December and look to get into a groove as they open conference play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The Wildcats looked improved in that win over Louisville. It was their first win over a top 25 team in four tries. Head coach John Calipari believes the team really worked on passing, setting picks and overall team chemistry that has helped them gain some momentum heading into a crucial stretch in the season. Kentucky is averaging 80.0 points per game while the team is 10-1 at home on the season.
Facing Mississippi State is not going to be easy as the Bulldogs have won five of their last six games on the season. Among their key non-conference wins was Florida Gulf Coast who were the darlings of the 2012 NCAA tournament, making it to the Sweet 16 round. Five of the Bulldogs got into double-figures that game, led by sophomore guard Craig Sword who is averaging 14.3 points per game on 57 percent shooting.
The Bulldogs are confident heading into their road matchup despite having a 1-2 road record. The team is coming off a win over Maryland Eastern Shore having just played Thursday so they could beat Kentucky on a rust factor alone. Gavin Ware had a career-best 16 rebounds in that win.
Watch Kentucky vs. Mississippi State live stream, click here.
