LEXINGTON, Ky. – Mississippi State nearly erased a 20-point second-half deficit.
However, the comeback wilted in the final minutes as the upset bid was held off at the end by No. 14 Kentucky.
Kentucky nearly blew the lead but hit enough free throws in the final two minutes to close out an 80-74 Southeastern Conference men’s basketball win Tuesday night at Rupp Arena.
Kentucky improved to 13-3 overall and 3-1 in league play, while MSU dropped its third straight to fall to 7-8 and 0-3.
“Our kids really gave a great effort,” MSU head coach Ben Howland said.