Kentucky vs. Mississippi State: Numbers You Need to Know

Kentucky is back on the road, traveling to Starkville to battle the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Before the 8:30 pm tip-off on the SEC Network, here are some stats, facts and numbers you need to know about the matchup.

4 — Where Mississippi State ranks in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.

7 — Straight Kentucky basketball wins over Mississippi State in Starkville.

7.9 — Steals per game by Mississippi State, the sixth-most in college basketball. They also ranked fourth in steal percentage.

10.7 — Points per game by DJ Jeffries in the month of February. Mississippi State is 21-7 when the former Kentucky basketball commit scores at least 10 points.

13 — Games Kentucky has played at full strength this season out of 25 contests. Sahvir Wheeler and CJ Fredrick each were sidelined in the loss to Georgia.

13.3 — Rebounds per game by Oscar Tshiebwe is the most in college basketball.

15 — Points from Jacob Toppin is a recipe for success for the Wildcats. When he reaches 15 points UK is 7-1. They are 9-7 when he scores less than 15 points and lost to South Carolina in the only game he did not play.

38.8 — Percent chance at a Kentucky victory, according to ESPN’s BPI. KenPom projects a 66-62 victory for the Bulldogs.

57.4 — Field goal percentage by Tolu Smith is the best in the SEC. He averages 14.6 points per game (10th SEC) and 8.3 rebounds per game (3rd SEC).

62.4 — Free throw percentage by Mississippi State is the worst in the SEC. Kentucky opponents are shooting better than 81% from the free throw line, so expect the Bulldogs to sink them all tonight.

Numbers You Need to Know