Matt Bush | USA TODAY Sports
An outstanding first half performance gave Kentucky enough cushion to hang onto a victory in Starkville. Mississippi State cut into UK’s 15-point first half lead before falling 71-67.
The Cats were crisp in the first half. Ten of UK’s 15 field goals came off assists. On defense they shut out Quinndary Weatherspoon and didn’t allow the Bulldogs to make one three-pointer.
Kentucky’s second half was a lot sloppier. UK led 49-31 at the 16:34 mark in the second half. Over the next seven minutes Miss. State went on a 17-2 run to cut Kentucky’s lead to three.