An excellent performance by E.J. Montgomery and a second half surge by Nick Richards helped hold off a late comeback bid by Mississippi State. John Calipari’s record against the Bulldogs from Starkville improved to 15-0 following the 80-72 victory at Rupp Arena.
Kentucky was not sleepy for the 9 p.m. ET tip-off. The Wildcats surged to a 7-0 lead in the first half and began the second half with a 7-2 run to build a comfortable lead against the Bulldogs.
Ben Howland’s team used a late run to cut the deficit to six with 4:36 to play.