Expect a high-scoring game when the 24th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs (14-3, 2-2 SEC) square off with the 12th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (14-3, 4-1 SEC) at Rupp Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Kentucky Wildcats Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wildcats won a close one over the 14th-ranked Auburn Tigers 82-80, while the Bulldogs defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 71-55.
Mississippi State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.3 (below their season average of 35.5) and a turnover percentage of 12.1 (better than their season average of 16.6). For those same stats, Vanderbilt had marks of 18.9 and 18.8, respectively. The Wildcats, meanwhile, knocked down 24 of their 33 free throws (72.7 percent) and held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.6 (below their season average of 40.1). Kentucky was lifted by Tyler Herro, who finished with 20 points. Meanwhile, Quinndary Weatherspoon led the way for Mississippi State, contributing 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats won the lone game between these two teams last year, 78-65. One of Kentucky’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 30 trips to the line, while Mississippi State went just 10 times. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s top offenses clash. Kentucky currently ranks 21st with 115.2 points per 100 possessions and Mississippi State is 23rd (115.0). Also, the Bulldogs rank 257th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.210), while the Wildcats rank 49th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.187).
Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Kentucky, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Mississippi State ranks 108th in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while Kentucky ranks 283rd (17.2).
- The Bulldogs are 25th in the NCAA with 5.1 steals allowed per game while the Wildcats are 47th with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
- Kentucky ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (28.4) while Mississippi State ranks 21st (30.9).
- The Bulldogs rank 41st in assists per game (15.9) while the Wildcats rank 99th (14.3).
- Kentucky ranks 18th in blocks per game (5.1) while Mississippi State ranks 54th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 12.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
