Kentucky vs. Missouri: Game Preview, Prediction

By Tim Letcher
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY SPORTS
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY SPORTS

The Kentucky Wildcats host the Missouri Tigers in an SEC clash on Tuesday night at Rupp Arena.

Kentucky is still ranked number one in the nation, despite having to go to overtime to win its first two SEC games. In their most recent game, the Wildcats needed double overtime to dispatch the Texas A&M Aggies, 70-64.

John Calipari’s team hasn’t seemed to be the same since a nine-day break from game action. Kentucky’s two closest games have come since that time and the team does not appear to be playing well. Nevertheless, Kentucky is 15-0 and has proven that they can win close games.

Sophomore guard Aaron Harrison leads the ‘Cats in scoring, averaging 11.5 points per game. His backup, freshman Devin Booker, is second on the team, scoring 10.7 points per outing. Booker led Kentucky with 18 points against A&M.

Missouri is 7-8 on the season after Saturday’s 85-79 loss to the Auburn Tigers. Head coach Kim Anderson took over a program that wasn’t in great shape when he arrived in Columbia, but this season’s team has shown flashes of progress.

Sophomore forward Johnathan Williams III leads Mizzou in scoring and rebounding, averaging 13.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Freshman guard Montaque Gill-Caesar is the only other Tiger averaging in double figures, as he scores 11.5 points per contest.

Kentucky figures to have too much firepower for Missouri in this game. Add to that the fact that Kentucky is due to play well, and the game is at Rupp Arena, and this could be a long night for the Tigers.

Final score prediction: Kentucky 78, Missouri 52

Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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