The talk of the Kentucky basketball game hosting Mississippi State on Tuesday night involves many questions, few answers, and two words that are being tossed around a lot – a trap game.
Coach John Calipari even muttered them during his Monday night call-in show. But I’m am not sold this is should be considered so.
A trap game is what is supposed to be an easy win sandwiched between a pair of high-profile games where wins are not certain.
Kentucky (15-4, 4-2) lost a brutally physical, knock-down-drag-out battle 80-71 to then No. 2 ranked Auburn. The Tigers have since moved into the top spot in this week’s AP and Coaches Poll. A couple of Cats in TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler may have gone down for the count a couple of times, but this UK team fought till the end.
Waiting this Saturday is a trip to No. 5 Kansas where the two winningest schools in NCAA history will take center stage.
Sure on paper playing Mississippi State in between could look like a trap, but remember Big Blue lost on Saturday, is taking in one game at a time, and doesn’t know if Washington will play after leaving the Auburn game 9 minutes in, and never returning.
Wheeler was decked twice into al la land but screens from Walker Kessler and too went to the locker room for a brief time. Somehow he returned but we also don’t know the lingering effects. He suffered the same fate against LSU.
Sahvir Wheeler can’t catch a break.pic.twitter.com/mXDi7gMhND
— CatsCoverage.com (@Cats_Coverage) January 22, 2022
Calipari admitted he toyed with several different players running the point in practice Monday including Davion Mintz and Kellan Grady should Wheeler and Washington not be available. Cal said with the 9 PM start gives them a few extra hours to access their conditions.
Coach always preaches one game at a time and this is one Kentucky must do so in with a lineup in flux.
Kentucky is angry about the loss to the Tigers, and angry two of their comrades were wounded in battle. Every team in the Southeastern Conference can knock any team off on a given night. There are 8 teams in the top 44 of KenPom’s rankings this week with UK checking in at No. 8 and the Bulldogs at No. 44.
Oscar Tshiebwe took the loss hard as well and Mississippi State Coach Ben Howland knows he will be a massive load to handle as he seeks redemption.
"“You can’t move him. He’s immovable. Wherever he’s at, he ain’t moving. It would take two or three guys to be able to move him once he’s set where he’s posting up or planting himself to get second shots…..“He’s a monster. I’m amazed when I watch how well he runs the floor. He runs the floor like a tank — a very fast tank. I mean, he’s incredibly athletic and strong.”"
The question of Shaedon Sharpe has flooded the social world some call Calipari out for not playing Sharpe last Saturday, but Calipari said he was not ready to play and I agree that would have been a brutal environment to get his baptism into college basketball.
He practiced more on Monday according to Cal during his call-in show, but having been on campus on a few weeks is still learning.
Maybe he sees a little action against the Bulldogs, maybe not. I doubt it would be in Lawrence on Saturday or maybe Vandy a week from today. Or maybe not this season or ever.
Let’s leave that in Cal’s hands. When the kid is ready he will play.
Right now let’s worry about the Bulldogs and the 12 regular-season games the Cats have left. This has the makings of a special team let’s enjoy what we are watching. Remember what we turned our eyes away from last season.
Kentucky basketball vs Mississippi St. Odds and Betting
WynnBet’s College Basketball Odds has Kentucky as a 9.0 point favorite. The over/under has been set at 142 points and the Moneyline has Kentucky -470 while Mississippi State is +350. The point totals are Auburn with 76.5 points and Kentucky scoring 72.5 points
Big Blue has won four straight games, yet they are only 2-3 against the spread in their last five games.
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Kentucky vs Mississippi State Prediction Today
The last time these two schools met was last season in the SEC Tournament where the Bulldogs ended the UK season 74-73.
Kentucky had not lost to State since 2009 which won the two seasons prior as well. Overall Kentucky leads the series 92-19.
Mississippi State will be without its big man Tolu Smith who partially dislocated his knee against Ole Miss taking 13.3 points and 6.6 rebounds with him as well.
MSU has four others thought in double figures with Iverson Molinar (17.7 points), Garrison Brooks and Shakeel Moore each average 11.2 points, and D.J. Jeffries chips in with 10.1 points. Molinar is the player that makes the Bulldogs go. He was the one who hit the game-winning free throws in the closing seconds to send Kentucky packing last season from the SEC Tournament.
Neither team shoots the 3-pointer well and how many UK shoots will be determined by the game-time lineup. Moving Mintz or Grady to the point eliminates a long-range gunner.
Kentucky will have to run its offense better through Tshiebwe who will undoubtedly demand the ball. He is hungry – feed Oscar.
Calipari is also looking to notch his 800th career win. It sure would be nice to do it in Rupp Arena on Tuesday.
My prediction is Kentucky bounces back with a strong performance unless Washington and Wheeler are out.
Kentucky 75, Mississippi State 63
What Channel is the Kentucky Basketball Game On
Today’s game will be on ESPN.
Kentucky versus Mississippi State Live Stream
Today’s Kentucky game can be streamed live on ESPN.
Tipoff is set for 9 pm EST.
Kentucky over the airwaves:
For the radio enthusiasts, our stellar team of Tom Leach (play-by-play), Mike Pratt, and Dick Gabriel (sideline) will have the call on the UK Sports Network. They can be heard at 840 AM around Louisville and in the Lexington area at both 630 AM and 98.1 FM. If you are outside these areas check your local statins or you can always listen online at www.UKAthletics.com
Kentucky’s Next Game and Upcoming Schedule
Kentucky steps out of conference play to tangle with Kansas in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Saturday. Here’s a look at their schedule for the next five games.
January 29 @ No. 7 Kansas 6 PM ESPN
February 2 Vanderbilt 7 PM SEC Network
February 5 @Alabama 8 PM ESPN
February 8 @South Carolina 7 PM
February 12 Florida 4 PM