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Kentucky Basketball Preview: The Missouri Tigers

By Frank Spencer

Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) dunks the ball against Valparaiso Crusaders guard Nick Davidson (22) and forward Alec Peters (25) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) dunks the ball against Valparaiso Crusaders guard Nick Davidson (22) and forward Alec Peters (25) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball comes into tonight’s matchup in Columbia on a four game winning streak. The Wildcats look to continue their winning ways against the Tigers.

The Wildcats have been playing good basketball as of late. With four straight victories to conference foes, Kentucky Basketball is still battling it out with Florida to stay atop the SEC standings.

The Missouri Tigers (7-19) are coming into the matchup after dropping 16 of their last 18 contests. The only two conference wins on the slate of the Tigers have been to Arkansas and Vanderbilt. The Tigers will look to have their hands full when the Wildcats come to town.

Related Story: Kentucky's All-Time Best Three Point Baskets

Taming the Tigers

Missouri isn’t having the easiest of seasons under third year head coach, Kim Anderson. Missouri just hasn’t been competitive since their reign of five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2009-2013. The Tigers entered the Southeastern Conference in 2012 after spending 16 seasons playing in the Big 12.

Missouri comes into the matchup with the Wildcats boasting only two players averaging double figures. Jordan Barnett, a Junior, is averaging 12.5 PPG and 6.3 RPG. Barnett sat out last season due to transfer requirements. Barnett spent his 2015 season playing in Austin for the Texas Longhorns.

Sophomore forward, Kevin Puryear is the other duo scoring threat for the Tigers. As a member of the 2016 All-SEC Freshman team, Puryear is a player to watch out for in the matchup. The 6-foot-7 Missouri native is averaging 11.5 PPG and 6.2 RPG this season.

Kentucky Looks to Finish Strong

John Calipari and company have worked hard to get to this point in the season. The year hasn’t gone the way that the Wildcats would have wanted, but there is potential in the foreseeable future. Kentucky’s coaches have worked diligently to improve the team’s defensive presence on the floor. Although, fans are still not satisfied with performances during winning situations.

A close game to Georgia last week proved that Kentucky Basketball cannot be content with where they are. In order to compete for a conference title, as well as get to the Final Four, Kentucky will have to start putting things together quickly here at the end of the season.

Next: Kentucky's All-Calipari Starting Five

Game Time, Television Broadcast, Online, Radio

The Game will air on the SEC Network at approximately 9:00 pm ET. Fans can also hear a live broadcast from Columbia by tuning in to any of the various Kentucky Radio Affiliates. Games can also be streamed online at Watch ESPN.

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