After a rocky start to SEC play, Kentucky has flipped the script-and fast. The Wildcats dropped their first two conference games, a stumble that usually sends shockwaves through Big Blue Nation.
But instead of spiraling, they’ve responded with four straight wins, a stretch that’s reasserted their place in the league conversation. And with Ole Miss coming to Rupp Arena on Saturday morning, Kentucky’s momentum is starting to feel very real.
Their latest win-a gritty 85-80 victory over Texas on Wednesday night-was a showcase of both depth and toughness. Denzel Aberdeen led the scoring with 19 points, while Collin Chandler and Otega Oweh each chipped in 18.
But the real difference-maker? Free throws.
The Wildcats went 30-of-35 from the line, a level of execution that can swing games in March, not just January.
Oweh continues to be the engine behind this team’s attack. He’s averaging 15.7 points per game and doing a little bit of everything-4.4 boards, 2.6 assists, 2.0 steals.
In 55 games since transferring in from Oklahoma, he’s hit double figures 52 times. That’s not just production-that’s reliability.
“Probably the most consistent player I’ve ever coached,” head coach Mark Pope said after the win over Texas. “He brings it every game.”
Aberdeen, meanwhile, is putting up 12.6 points per game and giving Kentucky another steady scoring option. And it doesn’t stop there.
This is a deep roster-eight players averaging at least six points. That kind of balance makes it hard for defenses to key in on any one guy.
But the Wildcats did take a hit Wednesday night. Kam Williams, a transfer from Tulane who had carved out a valuable role, broke his foot and is now out indefinitely. His absence will test that depth moving forward.
As for Ole Miss, they’re coming off a tough one-a 78-66 home loss to Auburn that exposed some cracks. The Rebels shot just 36 percent from the field (22-of-61) and were dominated on the glass, 43-26. On top of that, they couldn’t stay out of foul trouble, sending Auburn to the line 39 times, where the Tigers cashed in 32.
“Just a really disappointing night from my standpoint,” said head coach Chris Beard. “It was just a wasted opportunity.
One team was very aggressive with a mindset to get to the free throw line and we were settling for shots. We’ve got to coach better and put the guys in better positions.”
AJ Storr led Ole Miss with 18 points in that game and, along with Malik Dia, is averaging 13.6 per game on the season. Ilias Kamardine adds another 11.3 points and leads the team with 4.1 assists per game, giving the Rebels a solid trio to lean on offensively.
This will be the only regular-season meeting between Kentucky and Ole Miss, but it comes at a pivotal moment for both. Kentucky is looking to keep its hot streak alive and continue climbing the SEC standings. Ole Miss is trying to bounce back and prove that Tuesday’s loss was more of a blip than a trend.
For the Wildcats, Saturday is another chance to show they’ve turned the corner. For the Rebels, it’s a shot to reset and steal one on the road. Either way, expect a battle in Lexington.