He gets at least one more crack at Kentucky, and trust it: the Wildcats are well aware what Tolu Smith can do when he is on his game.
They, and we, need look no farther back than round-one of this regular season series almost five weeks ago. That was the evening in Lexington when Mississippi State’s super-senior center showed up and showed off. On a night most Dogs were just plain off, #1 provided 26 points and eight rebounds in an honorable losing effort.
Now comes the rematch, also on a Tuesday evening and this time in friendly confines. Smith and squad take on Kentucky a second time, on their home Humphrey Coliseum court and if recent trends hold on their own terms. These Bulldogs are rolling, winners of five-straight including a pair of recent rivalry routs. Those being a home whipping of Ole Miss, then going on the road to turn LSU inside-out.
At this pleasant pace the talk has turned from will the Bulldogs make the NCAA Tournament field to how they can improve seeding between now and selection Sunday. Much of it thanks to Smith, top Dog in the lineup and usually stat sheet with 43 points and 15 boards in the past two victories.
Kentucky sets up as a particular target since no State team has taken down the Wildcats in a regular season matchup since 2009. Kentucky has won 18 of the last 19 meetings with only the 2022 SEC Tournament overtime upset interrupting the run.
Smith played in that game and recorded a double-double too at 13 points and 11 rebounds. Last February in Starkville he gave the Kats fits again with 24 points, making all but one of his nine shots or free throws (!).
So, three such Smith efforts in the matchup could be Mississippi State’s charm this evening in the Hump.
