Kentucky Wildcats walked out of Mississippi State’s “Dentist’s office” on Saturday night with a glowing report, a smile, and a convincing 95-90 victory over the 14th-ranked Bulldogs. The game, which was highlighted by Kentucky’s sizzling 3-point shooting, saw the Wildcats leave the court with a win that felt as refreshing as a clean bill of dental health.
Nicknamed “The Dentist,” Mississippi State head coach Chris Jans has built a defense-first program, regularly holding opponents to under 70 points. But on Saturday, his defense couldn’t stop the Wildcats’ shooting clinic. Kentucky hit 16 of 32 from beyond the arc, with Jaxson Robinson leading the charge, sinking seven 3-pointers on his way to a career-high performance. Ansley Almonor contributed a season-high three 3s, and Lamont Butler added eight assists without a turnover, keeping the offense flowing smoothly.
Kentucky’s 95 points marked the most scored against Mississippi State since 2017 and the most ever in Humphrey Coliseum. This performance also marked only the second time this season that the Bulldogs allowed more than 80 points. Jon Sundvold, commenting on the broadcast, remarked that scoring 95 against a Chris Jans defense is “almost unheard of.”
Robinson’s shooting was a major factor, with Jans noting that Robinson was “in one of those zones” and couldn’t be stopped. Almonor’s timely shooting also made a big difference, with both players helping Kentucky open up a sizable lead in the second half. The Wildcats’ 50% shooting from beyond the arc was the second-best of the season, showcasing their offensive firepower.
As Kentucky savored their victory in Starkville, they look ahead to a challenging matchup with Texas A&M next. The Aggies, boasting one of the top defenses in the country, will test Kentucky’s ability to maintain their high-scoring form when they visit Lexington next. With the Wildcats firing on all cylinders, they are poised for another strong showing.