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Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: Storylines to watch in the SEC matchup

By Jason Burgess

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 26: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Ashton Hagans #2 against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena on January 26, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 26: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Ashton Hagans #2 against the Kansas Jayhawks at Rupp Arena on January 26, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 29: Reid Travis #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats congratulates Tyler Herro #14 after a basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half of the game at Memorial Gym on January 29, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 29: Reid Travis #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats congratulates Tyler Herro #14 after a basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half of the game at Memorial Gym on January 29, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Kentucky is eyeing a No. 1 seed

The Wildcats have won nine in a row and suddenly, the team people were questioning after a loss to Seton Hall, are looking like a team that could make a Final Four run and has their eyes on the top seed line come Selection Sunday. Kentucky has climbed to No. 5 in the AP poll, a climb many in Big Blue Nation would say was long overdue, but that had more to do with teams in front of them not losing than anything the Wildcats had done.

How well has John Calipari’s team been playing? During their current nine-game winning streak, they have scored 74 points per game, but the defense has really stepped up, holding six of their opponents to under 60 points. On the year, the Wildcats have been top-41 in the country in field-goal percentage, field-goal percentage defense, and free throw shooting, and over the last five games, those numbers have been even better.

Another thing that has helped the Cats has been the improved play of freshmen Keldon Johnson, Tyler Herro and senior transfer Reid Travis. Over the last six games, the threesome has averaged 34.8 points, 16.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The Wildcats have a head of steam and a No. 1 seed is in their sights, but with LSU and Tennessee on tap after this one, Kentucky can’t afford to look past Mississippi State if they want to end up on that top line.

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