Photo | Elliott Hess UK Athletics

Shooters need a short-term memory, and that’s exactly what the Kentucky Wildcats will need when they face Ole Miss on Tuesday night. Coming off a tough loss to Arkansas, the Wildcats will be eager to bounce back as they head to Oxford to take on the #25 team in the nation.

Both Teams Struggling Lately

Both Kentucky and Ole Miss are enduring rough patches. The Rebels, under second-year head coach Chris Beard, enter the game with a 16-6 record, but they’ve hit a rough stretch, losing four of their last five games. Their recent losses include a heartbreaker to Mississippi State, 84-81 in overtime, and a narrow 63-62 loss to Texas A&M—two teams Kentucky has already defeated this season. However, Ole Miss has secured impressive wins over Georgia, Arkansas, and Alabama, all teams Kentucky has lost to this season.

Can Kentucky Stop the Three?

Ole Miss is powered by a trio of guards who each average over 30 minutes per game. Leading the charge is Sean Pedulla, who is averaging 15.2 points per game while shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc. Jaylen Murray is also effective from deep, averaging 10.9 points per game and shooting 40.7% from three-point range, while also hitting 85% from the free-throw line. Given how Kentucky struggled defensively against the three-point shot in their loss to Arkansas—who isn’t known for shooting well from deep—staying tight on the perimeter will be crucial for the Wildcats’ defense.

Who Will Step Up for Kentucky?

With Lamont Butler’s status still uncertain as of this writing, Kentucky will need players to step up, just as they’ve had to in his absence. The Wildcats showed against Tennessee that a strong game plan can disrupt an opponent’s style of play, but Ole Miss presents a different challenge as a team that excels from beyond the arc. More pressure will fall on Jaxson Robinson to contribute both offensively and defensively. Kentucky will also need Koby Brea to hit his shots. Against Arkansas, Brea struggled, scoring just 5 points on 2-8 shooting and 1-6 from three. For the Wildcats to be successful without Butler, Brea’s shooting must improve.

Game Information:

Date: February 4th, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Oxford, Mississippi

Where to Watch: ESPN

This game will be a critical opportunity for Kentucky to bounce back and prove they can perform under pressure.