Kentucky vs. Missouri viewing info, what to watch for, odds, and predictions

After the Kentucky Wildcats opened the SEC Tournament with an 87-82 victory over LSU, they now get a rematch with the Missouri Tigers in Nashville with a spot in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals on the line. Game time is set for 12:30 PM ET/11:30 AM CT in Nashville on the SEC Network.

The Wildcats struggled to put away LSU in the opener, but at this point in the season, survive-and-advance is the name of the game, and Kentucky did just that. Now, Kentucky will look to get revenge against a Missouri squad that came into Rupp Arena on January 7 and defeated the Wildcats 73-68.

If you look back at the schedule, that Missouri game is one I’m certain Mark Pope and Co. would love to have back. Kentucky went up 66-58 in that game with about 4:30 left in the game, but were outscored 15-2 down the stretch.

The Tigers have one of the most interesting resumes in the SEC. Missouri is one of only two teams in the conference to defeat Florida this season, while also winning on the road at Texas A&M to go with home victories over Tennessee and Vanderbilt. However, the Tigers also hold losses to LSU and Ole Miss, and lost by 43 points in a neutral-site matchup against Illinois.

ESPN has Missouri as an 11-seed, so the Tigers aren’t safely in the tournament, and they’ll certainly be looking for a win to ensure a spot in the field of 68.

Here are a few things to watch for:

Kentucky’s defense

Kentucky didn’t have the best defensive showing against LSU. The Cats allowed LSU to shoot 50% from the field, despite going 5/20 from 3. Kentucky allowed too many open looks at the rim and too many easy baskets off second-chance opportunities. Kentucky really struggled to contain LSU’s Max Mackinnon, who finished with 28 points on 11/17 shooting. The Cats will need to have a much better defensive showing against Missouri.

Brandon Garrison

Kentucky needed someone to step up against LSU, and that person was Brandon Garrison. Garrison played one of his best games of the season, finishing with 17 points on 7/9 shooting, knocking down a pair of big 3-pointers. Garrison wasn’t only effective scoring the basketball, though. He found open teammates and played a big role defensively, finishing with 2 steals and 2 blocks. Will Garrison be able to keep the momentum rolling against Missouri? This becomes a noticeably different team when he is playing at that level.

3-point shooting

Something about Nashville has not been kind to Kentucky’s shooters this season. After shooting 21% from beyond the arc in a loss to Gonzaga in Nashville earlier this season, the Cats finished just 6/22 from deep against LSU. The trio of Denzel Aberdeen, Otega Oweh, and Collin Chandler finished a combined 2/13 from distance. Kentucky will need to have a better shooting performance if they want to defeat Missouri.

Players to watch

Kentucky Basketball vs. Missouri Tigers

Send us your predictions for how you think this one plays out in the Music City!

And Go Cats!!