[-STAT-]

One thing we've grown accustomed to seeing, is slow starts from Kentucky. They were pretty hot out the gates against Florida, got down by 11 at one point but put together a great run and never looked back. Started off slow against UGA and it cost them not including the refs. They can't afford to start slow against Mississippi St, seems like this team has always been a tough out for Kentucky through the years, and this is one of the best teams they've had in years, Chris Jans is a very underrated coach, was given ample time to develop a great culture and build his teams the way he envisioned, and it's sure paying off for them right now. Josh Hubbard has been a real problem for opposing teams defensive gameplans the last few seasons, and this one isn't any different, one of the best players in the conference, a lot like Walter Clayton for Florida, can score at any level, but has plenty of strength to get to the basket.

Like I said, Kentucky needs to establish the tempo and pace of the game early, if it's going to be a slow it down, grind it out type game, then it will definitely favor Miss. St.