In a highly anticipated matchup between two bubble teams vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the Kentucky Wildcats held off the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 71-68, in a thrilling game that saw multiple runs and clutch performances.
The Wildcats came into the game with a total team effort, with no clear standout star. Oscar Tshiebwe led the team in scoring with 18 points, including three crucial free throws down the stretch, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Jacob Toppin added 16 points, Antonio Reeves had 14, and Chris Livingston contributed 13 points. Despite struggling from the floor, Cason Wallace had a career-high 11 assists.
The game was a back-and-forth affair with both teams making big runs. The Wildcats took a one-point lead into the second half, and then went on an 18-2 run, including 11 consecutive points, to lead 56-43 with 8:33 remaining.
However, the Bulldogs responded with a 12-2 run to cut the UK lead to 58-55 with 4:10 left. Mississippi State continued to fight and got within one point, 69-68, with three seconds left, but Tshiebwe sealed the victory with a pair of clutch free throws one second later.
Livingston made the play that ultimately saved the game for the Wildcats. After Reeves missed a three-pointer with nine seconds remaining, Livingston grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled with eight seconds left. The freshman calmly sank both free throws to allow the Wildcats to keep their lead late in the game.
Kentucky’s total team effort was key to securing the win, and the Wildcats will look to continue their momentum in their next game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena. The game is set for 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS.
With the win, the Wildcats improved their record to 16-9 overall and 7-5 in the SEC, and their NCAA Tournament hopes got a boost. Kentucky will need to continue their strong play down the stretch to secure their spot in the tournament.
Mississippi State, on the other hand, fell to 17-10 overall and 5-8 in the SEC. The Bulldogs will need to regroup quickly as they have just three games remaining in the regular season, and will need to win as many games as possible to improve their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.
Overall, the game was a thrilling and hard-fought battle, and both teams showed why they are still in the hunt for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky’s total team effort and clutch performances down the stretch proved to be the difference in a game that lived up to the hype.