Jan 30, 2018; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Kevin Knox (5) steals the ball from Vanderbilt Commodores guard Maxwell Evans (10) in the first half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Vanderbilt 83-81. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Ole-Miss vs. Kentucky Basketball Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats are looking to extend their 3 game win streak as they take on the Ole Miss Rebels tonight in Lexington. Tip off is set for Wednesday night at 7 o’clock.

Kentucky Wildcats

Not only is it Kentucky’s final home game of the regular season, but also what would be senior night for the young team. For the first time since Kentucky’s 1934-1944 season, the Wildcats will not have any seniors on roster to honor. The young team seems to be getting into the swing of things and living up to fans pre-season expectations.

Now ranked 23rd in the AP Top 25 after a 2-week absence, the Wildcats are currently sitting in a four-way tie for third place in the Southeastern Conference. Since losing four in a row for the first time under head coach John Calipari the Wildcats find themselves on a three-game win streak. Kentucky has topped 80 points in all three wins.

Freshman Kevin Knox leads the team with 15.6 points per game followed by freshman Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 12.9. SEC Freshman of the week Jarred Vanderbilt has posted double-digit rebound numbers in four of his 12 games. Despite his lack of playing time due to a pre-season foot injury, Vanderbilt averages 5.9 points and a team best 5.9 points.

Ole Miss Rebels

For the first time since 2005, Kentucky will play an Ole Miss team that is not coached by Andy Kennedy. His resignation early last week came after Ole Miss won 22 games last season.

Despite being at the bottom of the SEC standings, the Rebels have picked up wins against Missouri, Florida, Mississippi State and Alabama this season. The Rebels have lost four of their last five, one of them being against Tennessee this past Saturday. Sophomore Breein Tyree led the Rebels with 17 points on 7 of 16 shooting. Followed by Bruce Stevens with 14 points and Terence Davis with 13.

Under assistant coach Tony Madlock, the Rebels will travel to Rupp Arena in hopes of keeping playoff dreams alive.

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