In a wild, back-and-forth contest, the Kentucky Wildcats fought off Mississippi State for a 95-90 victory on the road, extending their win streak over the Bulldogs to 19 games. The win marked a milestone for head coach Mark Pope, who celebrated his 200th career victory and secured his first true road win with the Wildcats.
The game was a spectacle of scoring, as both teams exchanged three-pointers with relentless energy. Kentucky and Mississippi State combined for 28 threes, each team taking turns with momentum. Kentucky, which trailed for much of the first half, found itself in a tight contest late, even trailing by two with just over seven minutes remaining. But like previous matchups against high-ranked teams, Kentucky displayed their championship pedigree, pulling away in the final minutes.
The night belonged to Jaxson Robinson, who set a new standard with a scintillating 7-of-10 performance from beyond the arc, finishing with a career-high 27 points. Robinson, who had faced some struggles earlier in the season, credited his teammates and coaches for their unwavering confidence in him, allowing him to play freely and deliver in a big way when Kentucky needed it most.
While Robinson’s shooting was the headline, it was Ansley Almonor’s late-game heroics that pushed the Cats over the top. With Kentucky trailing, Almonor hit three consecutive threes, including a go-ahead shot that gave the Wildcats the lead for good. His timely shooting provided the crucial edge that allowed Kentucky to escape Starkville with a hard-earned victory.
Mark Pope’s leadership continued to shine through as well, with the coach going the extra mile to connect with Kentucky fans after the game. Pope’s genuine engagement with the Big Blue Nation, including taking time to visit a fan in a wheelchair, demonstrated his deep commitment to both the team and its supporters.
Despite an injury scare with forward Andrew Carr, who played through back pain to contribute 13 points and six rebounds, Kentucky’s resilience was evident. The Wildcats remain one of the few teams in the country with four Top-15 wins, making their late-season push one to watch closely. As January rolls on, Kentucky’s growing confidence could set the stage for another deep run in March.
