SEC Hoops Preview: #1 Kentucky

Do You Believe In Miracles?

Who: #1 Kentucky Wildcats (27-0, 14-0) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-15, 5-8)

Where to Watch: SEC Network, Humphrey Coliseum

When to Watch: February 25, 6 PM CST

After back-to-back heart breaking losses at home, the Mississippi State Bulldogs look to end the regular season strong and shock the college basketball world by knocking off the Kentucky Wildcats. This will be the 112th meeting between UK and MSU with the Wildcats holding a 91-20 advantage in the all-time series. The Bulldogs have lost seven in a row to Kentucky and haven't knocked off a ranked opponent since November 2011.

Despite multiple injuries and little rest, Mississippi State gave a valiant effort against a very good Arkansas team. Craig Sword continued his tremendous play as of late by pouring in 15 points against the Razorbacks. Unfortunately, even with three players scoring in double figures, the Bulldogs couldn't pull off the upset because of the team's 23 turnovers. A constant issue for Mississippi State this season, turnovers have killed the Bulldogs in the closing moments of multiple games this season. It was also nice to see Roquez Johnson playing valiantly against Arkansas. Despite suffering from a concussion, Johnson contributed 8 points and pulled in 6 big rebounds to help keep the game competitive.

Undefeated. Undisputed. Untested? The Kentucky Wildcats have been called a lot of things this season and most of what you hear is true. This is one of the best teams in college basketball and the Wildcats may very well be on their way to making history this March. However, no team is unbeatable. Kentucky has its flaws. The Wildcats only shoot 34% from behind the arc and sometimes have trouble scoring the ball. However, Kentucky's offense won't be the main concern for the Bulldogs Wednesday night. No, Mississippi State will be trying to find a way to score the ball against a very long and strong frontcourt. Can Mississippi State put a dent into a defense that held North Carolina to 70 and Kansas to 40? We shall see.

Mississippi State will be having a "Blackout" to commemorate the game against rival Kentucky and will be giving out T-Shirts to the first 250 fans at the game. While celebrating the Blackout against Kentucky, the Bulldogs will be hoping to come out of The Hump without a black eye. Kentucky is such a talented team that it is entirely possible that the Wildcats come out lethargic expecting an easy win but I don't see that happening. The Harrison twins, Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker. There are so many talented players in Kentucky's starting 5 and on their bench. I think this will be close in the first half before Kentucky blows out the Bulldogs in the second half.

Prediction: 88-62

Prediction: Kentucky doesn't win the NCAA Title

Dawg Facts: The last time Mississippi State knocked off the #1 team in the country was in March of 1996, a 86-73 victory against......Kentucky.