I’m not gonna lie. Well, I might lie, but it would only be because I’m so scared of you knowing the truth. A little white lie, maybe.
But that wouldn’t be right, so I won’t lie to you.
I was going to originally write an article that skewed the stats in favor of Ole Miss, and only pick Kentucky to win by a couple points, if for no other reason than to troll the Facebook fans who comment without reading. But after several seconds of exhausting research, I couldn’t find anything to back it up. So instead, I’ll give you the only stat you really need to know, followed by several other stats that don’t matter a great deal:
Since losing Dundrecous Nelson, Ole Miss has seen a 10-4 start peter out to a 15-10 record, including 5-6 in conference. Now, take into account the curb-stomping the Rebels received at Vanderbilt, and give me a legitimate reason why I should be concerned about them winning in Rupp.
Nelson was the team’s leading scorer and marijuana smoker before his dismissal, and Terrance Henry has been trying to fill the void, averaging just over 11 points a game. No word on whether he’s managed to possess as much drug paraphernalia as Nelson.
Other notables include leading rebounder Murphy Holloway, who spends his free time being an old white man when he isn’t getting 9 boards a game. Holloway is also one of four Rebels averaging double figures scoring, so this team is as balanced as Kentucky, but not nearly as talented. There’s the problem.
I don’t see this game being a struggle (although if, by some act of God, it comes down to the last shot, you can bet your bottom dollar Darius Miller won’t pass it up this time if he’s open). The only way Ole Miss challenges is if Kentucky comes out flat after a week off, although I don’t think the crowd will let that happen. Crowd noise shouldn’t be a problem, since Digger Phelps isn’t around to scold the Kentucky fans for cheering.
Remember, Kentucky is 22-4 all-time on February 18, and the last time they took the floor on this date, Patrick Sparks torched South Carolina for 26 points. Which means nothing, other than maybe Kyle Wiltjer could have a big game today. Since they are both white, you know.
Cats by 23, 81-58. Patrick Sparks won’t have a triple-double.
