Kentucky basketball seeks to wrap up the exhibition part of their schedule with another W, as they take on Minnesota State tonight at 7 pm EST on the SEC network+. A powerhouse in Division II basketball, the Mavericks are coming off their Division II national championship season. All stats come from Minnesota State's basketball website. Coached by veteran Matt Margenthaler, who’s led the team for over 20 years, the Mavericks are known for their fast and balanced play with an offense that scored nearly 85 points per game last season.
Minnesota State is an aggressive, high-scoring team. They shoot at an impressive 49% from the field overall and 38.2% from beyond the arc. Key returning players include sharpshooter Kyreese Willingham, who averaged 15 points and shot 41% from three, and Justin Eagins, who brings similar long-range accuracy, also at 41%, averaging 12 points per game.
Defensively, Minnesota State’s intensity ramps up even more. They rebound well, with an average of 38 boards per game. The Mavericks' defensive pressure is also something to watch. They averaged 6 steals and 4 blocks per game last year.
Kentucky's big men will have an advantage all night long, and should dominate the boards. If the passing is as crisp as it was against Wesleyan, then open looks will be there as Minnesota State will gamble to get into the passing lanes.
Prediction
Kentucky: 104
Minnesota State 77
MVP: Andrew Carr should be able to show well in the post and in the passing game, getting open looks to the shooters.
A high-scoring game is probably in the cards, as both teams will want to push the tempo. Overall, it should be a fun night from Rupp, as both teams will go up and down the court. What are you looking forward to seeing from Kentucky tonight?
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