Deborah Walker
Feb 28, 2024 - 04:05

Reed Sheppard buzzer beater Kentucky basketball Mississippi State

Kentucky Wildcats pull off a dramatic last-second win over Mississippi State, led by Reed Sheppard's 32-point performance. #KentuckyWildcats #ReedSheppard

On Tuesday night, the Kentucky Wildcats pulled off a remarkable victory against Mississippi State, with Reed Sheppard hitting a runner in the lane just before time expired to secure a 91-89 win. This was a game where the Cats trailed for most of the time, but it was Rob Dillingham's 3-pointer with 4:24 left that finally gave UK its first advantage of the night, putting them in the lead at 72-71. Sheppard and Antonio Reeves were the standout scorers in the second half, with Sheppard finishing with an impressive 32 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, while Reeves scored 21 points. Sheppard's 23 points in the second half were crucial for the Wildcats, and he sealed the game with six free throws in the final 70 seconds. Freshman guard Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 34 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Wildcats.

This win improved John Calipari's record to 19-1 against Mississippi State over his 15 seasons as Kentucky's head coach, and he is now 9-0 in The Hump. The Cats haven't lost in Starkville since Jan. 15, 2008, marking a significant achievement for the program. Kentucky is now 20-8 with a 10-5 record in the SEC, and they will return to Lexington for the final two home games of the season.

This victory was particularly impressive as the Wildcats played without starting forward Tre Mitchell, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the fourth consecutive game. Despite his absence, the team managed to secure a hard-fought win. Looking ahead, the Wildcats will face the Arkansas Razorbacks, who have had a disappointing season so far, currently standing at No. 118 in the KenPom ratings. The stage is set for an exciting matchup between these two teams.

Overall, this game showcased the resilience and determination of the Kentucky Wildcats, and the team will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. With their sights set on further victories, the Wildcats are ready to take on whatever challenges come their way.