Second-ranked Kentucky goes on the road on Tuesday to face Mississippi State in a college basketball betting game that can be seen on ESPN. The Wildcats have lost just once this season but they should get a tough test at Mississippi State who has lost only once this season at home.
Kentucky is 2.5 point favorite at SBG Global.
Kentucky continues to be led by freshman John Wall who is averaging 17.1 points per game. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday as he averaged 23 points, 7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in wins over Alabama and No. 12 Tennessee. He had his third double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds against Alabama. The win over Tennessee was a big one for Kentucky as Wall and Eric Bledsoe came through in the clutch. Wall had 24 points to lead the Wildcats while Bledsoe had all of his 16 points in the second half. “Eric showed so much courage in what he did and how he played,” head coach John Calipari said. “I tell him, ‘You don’t have to shoot a 3. You have to be prepared to shoot a 3.”‘ The win over Tennessee kept Kentucky one game ahead of Vanderbilt in the SEC Eastern Division standings.
Mississippi State has become the team to fear in the Western Division of the SEC. They could also be an NCAA Tournament team as well and a victory over Kentucky would greatly enhance their chances. The statistics will point to Kentucky in this college basketball betting game but Mississippi State just seems to find ways to win games and only once this season have they been beaten at home.
Kentucky has been better this season on the road vs. the number than at home. They are 7-8 ATS at home but 3-2 ATS on the road. Mississippi State is solid at home and they are solid vs. the conference. The Bulldogs are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the SEC.
Kentucky has the statistical advantage in this game but the Bulldogs have proven time after time they can win close games. Kentucky is 8th in the nation on offense. They are not very good on defense though as they rank 102nd in the country. Mississippi State is 94th in the country on offense and 52nd in the country on defense. The Bulldogs will need to play defense and keep this game low-scoring to win.
