Losing 2 in a row is tough, losing to Missouri at home when up 8 with 4 to go is brutal. Now Quaintance won't be available, and Kentucky has to have this game. Mississippi State is one of the hotter teams in the SEC, winning 6 straight after starting the season just 4-5. Josh Hubbard is a one-man show at times, and Kentucky will need to match Mississippi State's energy. But can they?
Kentucky basketball must win these 4 areas to pull off their first SEC win in 2026
1. Turnovers
Mississippi State struggles with efficiency; they are not a smooth passing team. They rank #195th in Assist-to-Turnover ratio (1.116). Kentucky has not been good at forcing turnovers this season, but it can not let Mississippi State get comfortable. They have to pressure them and keep the turnovers up to generate extra possessions for an offense that is really struggling. They scored just 68 at home to LSU.
2. Rebounding
Kentucky is not a dominant team on the glass; they sometimes struggle to even be a good rebounding team. Mississippi State shoots nearly 66 shots per game, which means they want to speed it up. They want extra possessions because they shoot just 44% from the field. State averages 10.9 offensive boards per game, so Kentucky has to be effective on the defensive backboard.
3. Don't get in foul trouble
Kentucky commits 17 fouls per game; they are 103 in the nation in that category. Luckily, Mississippi State is not a good free-throw shooting team, averaging just 69.2% (267th). But with Quaintance out, Kentucky is down a big man and can not afford Moreno to pick up early fouls. If he does, rebounding becomes harder.
4. Move the ball
Kentucky can not afford to stagnate again on the offensive side. Mississippi State gives up 75.8 points per game (204th), but they have a good 3-point defense. Kentucky will need to move the ball much quicker and make crisp cuts to get open. No more just standing around holding the ball.
If Kentucky shows up on the glass, moves the ball, forces the Bulldogs into turnovers, and avoid foul trouble, they should beat Mississippi State. If they don't, things can get dicey.
Mark Pope said they have a "job to do" and win at Kentucky. It starts with one game at a time, and fans need to see the desperation this team should have. Because they are a desperate team.