Mississippi Rebels coach Andy Kennedy had planned on stepping down at the conclusion of the season. When things went from bad to worse, Kennedy opted for early retirement, leaving the bench with several games still remaining in the season. A long losing streak and what several players called “trust” issues with the coaching staff likely hastened the decision. Still, this is not a good basketball team and the Rebels are going to be fodder for the surging Kentucky Wildcats.
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A seven-game losing streak made Kennedy’s decision to leave an easy one. The plan was for the long-time coach to step down following the season, an announcement made several weeks ago in an attempt to lighten the mood in Oxford. But when the losses kept coming and the Rebels sank to the bottom of the ACC standings, Kennedy said adios. Ole Miss ended the slide by knocking off Missouri in its first game under interim Tony Madlock for their first road win of the season. The Rebels improved to 1-9 SU and 3-7 ATS in away games.
Are the Wildcats becoming the team many expected at the start of the season? Following a four-game losing streak, UK has been impressive in its three consecutive victories, beating Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri by a combined 46 points with no margin fewer than 10 points. The offense has found a rhythm with at least 81 points in each outing and three straight over wins. The Cats have always been a dangerous team on their own floor and are 15-2 SU and 7-10 ATS at Rupp Arena.
Player to Watch
The Wildcats have a good one in Kevin Knox, but did they pay too much to get him? Mentioned in the scandalous report as having a relationship with an agent, Knox was cleared to play and is laser-focused on what transpires on the court. He refused to answer questions regarding his status in the report and let his play do the talking.
A potential lottery-pick, Knox leads the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding this season and had one of his better performances after the scathing report was made public. He scored 21 points on 6 of 13 shooting and exited the contest after playing only 24 minutes.
More importantly, Knox has started to fill that all-important leadership role that the team lacked during most of the season. He put together consecutive 20-point scoring games for the second time this season and is averaging 19 points per during the Cats three-game win streak.
Letdown Spot
The Ole Miss program is in limbo and that’s not a good place to be. Kennedy made it clear he there was some distance between him and the players, and that was evident during their recent slide that featured a seven-game losing streak and nine defeats in 10 games.
There was a glimmer of hope when the Rebels knocked off Missouri to end the skid, but they couldn’t carry the momentum to their next game. Madlock has the reigns for the remainder of the year and what happens after that remains to be seen. While the interim coach said his troops will play hard, it’s hard to imagine them winning in Lexington with a group of players that are already talking about their futures.
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Following a third straight win, Coach Cal said, “Right before your eyes we’re becoming a better basketball team.” The memory of that recent four-game losing streak has been put to rest with three straight double-digit victories and the young Cats been impressive.
With Knox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, the Wildcats have been efficient on offense and they’ve even been hitting their three-pointers, which has been a huge issue for them all season. Several players have contributed during the surge and the bench has played a major role. Six players scored in double-figures against Missouri, and when the Cats get that kind of production they are difficult to stop.
College Basketball Odds: Kentucky 84, Mississippi 66
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