Let’s not get ahead of ourselves; tonight’s game isn’t going to be a walk in the park and could very well be the most hostile environment the Wildcats will play in this year. There’s definitely more on the line for the Bulldogs and they know it. Mississippi State (18-7, 6-4) is coming off back to back wins last week against Ole Miss and Auburn.
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Last season Mississippi State beat the Kentucky Wildcats three times and tonight they look to make it four straight during this nationally televised game on ESPN; one of a few for the Bulldogs. Motivational point #1. Tonight’s game will mark the first time a ranked team came to play Mississippi State on their home court and the first team ranked in the top 5 nationally since they played then ranked 2 Memphis in the NCAA tournament in 2008. Motivational point #2. During the recent game against Auburn the Bulldogs rallied back from a 14-point deficit to defeat them in overtime by 10 points. This performance included a career high 32-point outing from guard Dee Bost, which included seven 3-pointers. Jarvis Varnado also had another double-double marking his fifth in a row. Motivational points #3 and #4.
The Wildcats are working on their own motivational points. DeAndre Liggins continues to make solid improvements and is becoming a normal contributor from the bench. During the last game it wasn’t the “bigs” providing the output, it came from the guards with a healthy burst in the 2nd half from Bledsoe. Wall is expected to hit the floor smiling after getting back into the [URL=”http://www.nationofblue.com/john-wall-named-sec-freshman-week-400/”]Freshman of the Week[/URL] rankings in the SEC. Although the Mississippi State Bulldogs will have nothing to lose tonight, the Wildcats have everything to gain with this road win and that will be their key motivational point to help lead them to a victory.
Tonight’s game will be aired on ESPN, ESPN360.com and will be streamed right here at Nation of Blue.
