Can Dontaie Allen Continue to Light Up Mississippi State?

Drew Franklin loathes the city of Starkville with the fire of a thousand suns. It cannot compare to the feelings Dontaie Allen has for Mississippi State. What the Bulldogs did to Allen, we may never know, but we do know that whenever No. 11 takes the floor against Mississippi State, he’s going to light up the scoreboard.

The shooting guard from Pendleton County averages 4.4 points in 11.6 minutes per game through two seasons in Lexington. Against Mississippi State, Allen transforms into Ray Allen. In two games last season Allen sank a combined 13 three-pointers, scoring 23 points in each battle with the Bulldogs.

The performance in Starkville was the most shocking, and arguably the most fun experience for a Kentucky basketball fan last season. Allen had not exceeded double digit minutes all season. Trailing by six with nine minutes to play, John Calipari was ejected. Bruiser Flint took the reins and the former Mr. Basketball unleashed a flurry of threes, sinking five with Cal in the locker room. He finished 7-of-11 from long range, pushing the Cats to a 78-73 win in double overtime.

In the second meeting between the two teams at the SEC Tournament, Kentucky needed one more Allen three to fall to extend the forgettable season. Trailing by one with four seconds remaining, the sharpshooter got a clean look but it rimmed out, resulting in a 74-73 loss in Nashville.

An Opportunity for Allen?

Calls for Dontaie Allen to receive more playing time have quieted in the last month. Shaedon Sharpe has replaced Allen as Kentucky’s backup quarterback most popular player on the bench. Tonight could be the night for one, if not both, to enjoy some time in the limelight.

On last night’s John Calipari Show the Kentucky head coach would not reveal whether his two starting guards, TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler, would be able to play vs. Mississippi State. If both are sidelined, Allen, Sharpe and Bryce Hopkins are Calipari’s only other options if the backcourt gets into foul trouble. Someone has an opportunity to be an unlikely hero at Rupp Arena Tuesday night. Do no be surprised if history repeats itself and Allen is the talk of the Commonwealth Wednesday morning.