The Kentucky Wildcats enter conference play unbeaten and ranked No. 1 just like many predicted they would. The Wildcats wrapped up an impressive out-of-conference run finishing 13-0 and have been off the past nine days recharging for SEC play. The team has lofty expectations as many believe they will continue the win streak, but Mississippi is ready to play upset and take down the top team on the road Tuesday.
Kentucky has won each of their games by a margin of 28 points per game while beating four ranked opponents. Their last win came on Dec. 27 over then ranked No. 5 Louisville and head coach John Calipari notes that he does not expect his team to show any signs of rust of lack of competiveness. The challenge will be remaining intense in a conference generally weaker in the basketball category.
The Ole Miss Rebels enter this game with a chip on their shoulder and a roster that could give the Wildcats some headaches. Mississippi sits at 9-4 with wins over Creighton, Cincinnati and Oregon in non-conference play. They currently lead the nation shooting 78 percent from the free throw line while making 42 of their 3-point attempts over the past five games. That could play a heavy factor in Tuesday's game if Kentucky starts fouling. They are coming off a game where they shot 55 percent overall which included going 11 of 21 from beyond the arc.
Kentucky will have their hands full with Stafan Moody who is averaging 13.9 points per game, Jarvis Summers who is putting up 13.3 as well and Ladarius White who is putting up 12.5 points per game. Over the past five games, this trio is shooting 41 percent from long range, something the Wildcats should be concerned about. However, Kentucky remains one of the best defensive teams in the league, holding opponents to just 47.8 points per game.
According to ESPN's Power Index, the Kentucky Wildcats have a 35.1 percent chance of remaining unbeaten this season as three teams still stand with perfect records. Duke and Virginia are the other two teams, but they are competing in the competitive ACC which hurt their chances at staying undefeated.
