Deborah Walker
Feb 28, 2024 - 07:10

John Calipari Reacts to UK Basketball's Victory with Reed Sheppard's Buzzer-Beater

Kentucky basketball wins in a buzzer-beater fashion after a loss last week, with Reed Sheppard scoring a career-high 32 points.

The basketball gods giveth and taketh away, and for the Kentucky Wildcats, they certainly gave in a thrilling win over Mississippi State just one week after a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to LSU. Freshman guard Reed Sheppard, who has been making waves in college basketball, had a career-high 32 points, culminating in a game-winning buzzer-beating floater with less than a second left, leading the Wildcats to a 91-89 comeback victory over the Bulldogs.

Kentucky found themselves trailing by as many as 13 points early in the second half and didn't secure their first lead until less than five minutes remained in the game. Sheppard's remarkable performance included 23 of his 32 points in the second half, along with seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, making it a truly historic game for UK basketball.

In addition to Sheppard's standout performance, fifth-year guard Antonio Reeves contributed 21 points to the win, securing a fourth consecutive regular-season series sweep of Mississippi State for the Wildcats. Head coach John Calipari, who now boasts a 20-1 all-time record against the Bulldogs, spoke to the media after the game, emphasizing the significance of the win and the resilience of his young team.

Despite being outrebounded and allowing Mississippi State to make 11 3-pointers and shoot 44% from deep, Kentucky managed to secure the hard-fought victory. Calipari emphasized the youth of his team and the need to take responsibility for their failures while also instilling belief in their abilities.

The win was a testament to the fighting spirit of the Wildcats and their ability to overcome adversity. Calipari expressed his confidence in his players and their potential for growth, highlighting the importance of sticking with them through their learning process.

Overall, the game was a thrilling display of talent, perseverance, and the resilience of a young Kentucky team. The win was a significant achievement, and it showcased the potential of the Wildcats as they continue to navigate an eventful college basketball season.