Kentucky and Ole Miss Desperate for a Win—Who Breaks the Slump?

It’s crunch time in the SEC, and both No. 14 Kentucky and No. 25 Ole Miss are fighting to stay in the race. These teams have hit a rough patch lately, making Tuesday night’s showdown in Oxford, Mississippi, a make-or-break game.

Kentucky (15-6, 4-4 SEC) is still reeling from an 89-79 home loss to Arkansas, a game that stung even more with former Wildcats coach John Calipari calling the shots for the Razorbacks. Meanwhile, Ole Miss (16-6, 5-4 SEC) nearly pulled off a massive upset over No. 1 Auburn but fell short 92-82, marking their fourth loss in five games.

With both teams looking to turn things around, let’s break down what’s at stake, the players to watch, and what each squad needs to do to come out on top.

Sign Up Today!

Kentucky’s Struggles: Can the Wildcats Bounce Back?

Kentucky Needs to Shake Off the Slump

Kentucky has dropped three of their last four games, and the way they fell to Arkansas was frustrating. The Wildcats were down by just one at halftime but got completely outplayed in the second half.

First-year head coach Mark Pope knows the pressure is always high at Kentucky.

“Every night is the biggest game ever,” Pope said. “We are really blessed to have the greatest fan base in the world, and so every night here is the biggest game ever. I think our guys are pretty used to that.”

Player to Watch: Amari Williams

Kentucky’s 7-foot senior center, Amari Williams, has been an absolute force inside. He dropped 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in their last game, his best performance of the season. With 12 double-digit rebounding games, he’s the guy Kentucky will lean on to control the paint.

Injury Watch: Is Lamont Butler Playing?

A major concern for the Wildcats is whether Lamont Butler, their starting point guard, will suit up. He’s missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, and without him, Kentucky has struggled to control the tempo. If he’s out again, expect Ole Miss to apply serious pressure on Kentucky’s backcourt.

Ole Miss: Knocking on the Door, But Can’t Get Through

Close, But No Cigar vs. Auburn

Ole Miss has lost four of their last five, but they’re hanging with top-tier teams. They nearly took down No. 1 Auburn, even holding a four-point lead at one point, but defensive breakdowns and late turnovers cost them the upset.

Head coach Chris Beard still sees a lot to like about his squad.

“I thought Sean had an outstanding game, obviously offensively. He played with courage all night long,” Beard said.

Player to Watch: Sean Pedulla

Pedulla lit up Auburn for a season-high 29 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field. The Virginia Tech transfer has quickly become the go-to guy for the Rebels, averaging 15.2 points per game. If he catches fire again, Kentucky will have a problem.

X-Factor: Matthew Murrell’s Health

Murrell was questionable against Auburn but still managed 17 points. If he’s feeling 100%, Ole Miss has a solid one-two punch with him and Pedulla.

NCAAB Expert Handicappers

How Each Team Can Win

Kentucky’s Game Plan:

Limit Turnovers: Sloppy ball handling hurt them against Arkansas. They need to clean it up.
Own the Glass: Amari Williams needs to keep dominating the boards. Second-chance points will be key.
Contain Sean Pedulla: If he gets hot, Kentucky could be in trouble again.

Ole Miss’s Game Plan:

Start Fast, Finish Strong: The Rebels have competed with top teams, but late-game collapses have haunted them.
Exploit Kentucky’s Guard Issues: If Lamont Butler is out, Ole Miss needs to apply defensive pressure.
Get the Supporting Cast Involved: Pedulla can’t do it alone. Murrell and Jaemyn Brakefield need to step up.

Prediction: A Down-to-the-Wire Battle in Oxford

Both teams are struggling with consistency, so this one could go either way. But Kentucky has the edge inside with Amari Williams, and if they take care of the ball, they should escape with a narrow win.

Final Score Prediction: Kentucky 78, Ole Miss 74

Expect a fast-paced, high-energy battle that could have major SEC implications.

FAQs

Why is this game important for Kentucky and Ole Miss?

Both teams are in the middle of the SEC standings and need a win to boost their NCAA Tournament hopes.

What happened in Kentucky’s last game?

The Wildcats lost 89-79 to Arkansas, struggling to close out the second half.

Who is Ole Miss’s top player?

Sean Pedulla he dropped 29 points against Auburn and is their biggest scoring threat.

Will Kentucky’s Lamont Butler play?

Still unclear. He’s missed the last two games with a shoulder injury.

Who is the favorite to win?

Kentucky is a slight favorite, but with Ole Miss playing at home, it’s anyone’s game.

What channel is the game on?

Check your local listings or streaming services for the game broadcast.

Ole Miss Rebels vs Kentucky Wildcats Picks and Predictions February 4th 2025

Table of Contents