Kentucky started conference play vs. Mississippi State back in January, and they’ll face the Bulldogs again to tip off a do-or-die SEC Tournament. The Cats needed seven threes from Dontaie Allen and two overtimes to defeat the Bulldogs in Starkville, but head coach Ben Howland believes this Kentucky team is much different than that group, thanks in large part to Davion Mintz. As Kentucky’s point guard in the last two games, Mintz totaled 30 points, 15 assists, and only 3 turnovers. Over the last five games, he’s averaging 16.8 points with a combined 20 three-pointers.
“They’re starting Mintz at the point now and he’s really been the stabilizing guy the entire year for them,” Howland told reporters today.