NCAAB: #16 Kentucky vs Mississippi State Odds, and Picks (Feb 27)

• Kentucky exploded on offense against Alabama, storming past to win 117-96.
• Mississippi State dominated at LSU, winning 87-67, for their 5th straight win.
• These two teams last faced off on January 17, in a game that Kentucky won 90-77.

Selection Sunday is less than a month away! Let’s look at the upcoming matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams are looking to lock up a spot in the tournament.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Kentucky had an absolutely stunning offensive feat against Alabama, exploding for 117 points in the win. They shot 63% from the field as a team, and over 54% from 3-point range. Freshman Justin Edwards was especially sensational, finishing a perfect 10 for 10 from the field and 4 for 4 from deep, missing just a free throw on the entire game. Edwards finished with 28 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the win.

Mississippi State has won five games in a row, rising off the bubble to a projected 8-seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs have a tough schedule down the stretch, providing them with several more chances to improve their seed projection ahead of Selection Sunday. Their next two games against Kentucky and Auburn will be a crucial test for Mississippi State’s defense, which ranks 11th in the country.

Prediction

This should be a very interesting matchup, pitting Kentucky’s stellar offense against Mississippi State’s sweltering defense. The first time they clashed, the Wildcats offense broke through, scoring 90 points en route to victory. They’ll face a tougher task this time around, now on the road on the Bulldogs home court. I expect this matchup to be closer than the first, but I ultimately see the red-hot Wildcats winning it again.

NCAAB Picks:

• Kentucky 79, Mississippi State 76 (UK +2.5)