BREAKING NEWS: No. 6 Kentucky Secures Gritty 95-90 SEC Win at No. 14 Mississippi State

BREAKING NEWS: No. 6 Kentucky Secures Gritty 95-90 SEC Win at No. 14 Mississippi State

Starkville, MS – January 12, 2025

In a thrilling, high-octane SEC showdown, the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats overcame a tough challenge from No. 14 Mississippi State, earning a 95-90 victory in front of a raucous crowd at Humphrey Coliseum. Despite a late push from the Bulldogs, the Wildcats’ offensive firepower and clutch plays down the stretch propelled them to their 15th win of the season and their third in SEC play.

The win was far from easy, as Kentucky had to fight through adversity, including foul trouble, a red-hot performance from Mississippi State’s star player, and a hostile environment in Starkville. However, the Wildcats showcased their resilience and depth, with key contributions from multiple players, including standout performances from sophomore guard Jaden Ivey and senior forward Oscar Tshiebwe.

Key Performances: Ivey and Tshiebwe Lead the Charge

Jaden Ivey, the explosive guard who has been a revelation for Kentucky this season, put on a show with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. His ability to break down defenses and create plays both for himself and his teammates was evident throughout the game. Ivey shot 9-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and was instrumental in keeping the Wildcats in control during critical stretches.

Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky’s dominant force in the paint, recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. The 6’9″ forward was a presence in the post, grabbing key offensive rebounds and converting on second-chance opportunities. His ability to control the boards helped Kentucky limit Mississippi State’s offensive rebounds and maintain an edge in possession.

“I thought our guys showed a lot of grit tonight,” said Kentucky head coach John Calipari. “Mississippi State came at us hard, and they’re a great team. But Jaden, Oscar, and the rest of the guys really stepped up when we needed it. We’ve got a lot of fight in this team.”

Mississippi State’s Strong Fight Led by Star Guard

Despite the loss, Mississippi State (13-3, 3-2 SEC) fought valiantly, with Tyson Carter leading the way for the Bulldogs. Carter, the senior guard, exploded for a game-high 32 points, hitting several deep three-pointers and driving to the basket with ease. His 3-of-6 shooting from deep kept Mississippi State in the game, but it wasn’t quite enough to overcome Kentucky’s late-game poise.

“I’m proud of our guys for their effort,” said Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans. “Tyson was incredible tonight, but Kentucky made the plays when it mattered. We’ll learn from this and bounce back stronger.”

In addition to Carter, forward Tolu Smith added 18 points and 9 rebounds for the Bulldogs, providing a solid presence inside. However, the team struggled with turnovers, committing 16 giveaways that led to 20 Kentucky points. That discrepancy proved crucial in a game where every possession counted.

Late-Game Execution Seals the Win for Kentucky

With the game tied at 88 with under two minutes remaining, Kentucky executed perfectly down the stretch. Ivey hit a pull-up jumper to give the Wildcats a two-point lead, and then Tshiebwe dominated inside with a crucial putback to make it 92-88 with 50 seconds left. Mississippi State had a chance to cut the lead to one possession, but a turnover and two clutch free throws from Ivey sealed the game for Kentucky.

Team Stats and Notable Contributions

• Kentucky (15-3, 4-1 SEC):
  Jaden Ivey – 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
  Oscar Tshiebwe – 21 points, 14 rebounds
  CJ Frederick – 12 points, 4 assists
  Chris Livingston – 10 points, 6 rebounds
• Mississippi State (13-3, 3-2 SEC):
  Tyson Carter – 32 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
  Tolu Smith – 18 points, 9 rebounds
  D.J. Jeffries – 9 points, 4 rebounds

What’s Next?

With the win, Kentucky solidifies its position as one of the top teams in the SEC and continues to build momentum as it heads toward the heart of conference play. Mississippi State will look to bounce back when they host Arkansas next week.

The Wildcats’ next challenge comes on Tuesday, when they return to Rupp Arena to face off against rival Tennessee, in what promises to be another explosive SEC matchup. With Ivey and Tshiebwe firing on all cylinders, Kentucky’s chances of making a deep run in March continue to look more promising.