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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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 19: Aric Holman #35 `of the Mississippi State Bulldogs looks to pass against Kimani Lawrence #14 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of a semifinal game of the MGM Resorts Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 19: Aric Holman #35 `of the Mississippi State Bulldogs looks to pass against Kimani Lawrence #14 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of a semifinal game of the MGM Resorts Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 19, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

2. Mississippi State is ending a tough 3-game stretch

This game represents the end of a key three-game stretch for the Bulldogs that began with a victory over Ole Miss and on Wednesday night they fell in overtime to LSU. Now, facing Kentucky puts Mississippi State in a tough spot, as a loss would put the Bulldogs five games behind Kentucky in the loss column with eight games left in the regular season.

Over the first two games of this stretch, MSU has played well despite splitting the two. They have averaged 84 points but also gave up 83. Quinndary Weatherspoon has scored 27 per game over the last two and freshman big man Reggie Perry has added 20 and 10 in the last two games. Mississippi State has shot over 50% from the field against LSU and Ole Miss and forced 15 turnovers per game, still earning a split despite turning the ball over 17 times themselves.

After the loss to LSU, this one has become even more important for the Bulldogs so that they remain in good standing when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. Another loss and they suddenly become part of a muddled middle of the SEC with the likes of Florida, Arkansas, and Alabama.

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