Mississippi State basketball vs Kentucky final score: Bulldogs winning streak snapped by Wildcats

Posted by author January 11, 2025 Basketball

STARKVILLE — Two top 15 men’s basketball teams squared off at Humphrey Coliseum for the first time in 22 years on Saturday night. The sold-out crowd was electric with arena doors opening 30 minutes early.

However, Mississippi State couldn’t pull through for the victory.

The No. 13 Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) were thumped 95-90 by No. 7 Kentucky, ending their winning streak at eight games. The Wildcats (13-3, 2-1) drilled 16 3-pointers. Guard Jaxson Robinson made seven of them for 27 points.

It spoiled a memorable performance by MSU forward Cameron Matthews, who tied a career high with 19 points and had 10 rebounds and six steals.

The first half was closely contested with neither team leading by more than six points. MSU had its advantage early with an 11-5 lead, but the Wildcats clawed ahead at the 3-point line. Kentucky shot 8-of-17 from 3 in the half, including four makes from Robinson who had 16 points at halftime.

Watch Mississippi State vs Kentucky live on ESPN+ (subscribe today)

Kentucky gained separation with an 9-0 run in the first four minutes of the second half for a 65-51 lead. Six of the points came off two 3’s by Robinson. That’s when Matthews took over on both ends of the floor, willing Mississippi State back ahead 80-78 with eight minutes remaining.

A Josh Hubbard layup with two minutes remaining cut the Kentucky lead to one point, but the Bulldogs never scored again.

MSU plays at Auburn on Tuesday (6 p.m., SEC Network) before hosting Ole Miss on Saturday.

Mississippi State vs Kentucky score updates

What time does Mississippi State vs Kentucky play today?

Date: Saturday, Jan. 11
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Humphrey Coliseum

What channel is Mississippi State vs Kentucky on today?

TV channel: SEC Network
Streaming: ESPN+ (subscribe here)
Radio: Mississippi State radio network 96.1 FM

Mississippi State vs Kentucky will be broadcast on SEC Network with streaming available on ESPN+.

Mississippi State vs Kentucky live stream options

Mississippi State basketball vs. Kentucky will be broadcast on SEC Network. Streaming is available on ESPN+

Mississippi State vs Kentucky predictions

Mississippi State 81, Kentucky 77: This is the highest-ranked opponent MSU has played so far, but Kentucky has struggled away from home. Kentucky particularly hasn’t played well in first halves on the road. Expect a lot of offense, but the Bulldogs prevail at home.

Mississippi State vs Kentucky betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:

Moneyline: Mississippi State (-250), Kentucky (+190)

Spread: Mississippi State -5.5

Over/under: 161.5

Mississippi State vs Kentucky injury updates

Mississippi State guard Kanye Clary remains out. Kentucky will be without Kerr Kriisa. Forward Andrew Carr, who averages 11.1 points per game, is also questionable.

Mississippi State basketball schedule 2024-25

Record: 14-1

Next five games on the Mississippi State schedule:

Jan. 11: vs. Kentucky
Jan. 14: at Auburn
Jan. 18: vs. Ole Miss
Jan. 21: at Tennessee
Jan. 25: at South Carolina

Buy Mississippi State basketball tickets this season via Stubub

Kentucky basketball schedule 2024-25

Record: 12-3

Next five games on the Kentucky schedule:

Jan. 11: at Mississippi State
Jan. 14: vs. Texas A&M
Jan. 18: vs. Alabama
Jan. 25: at Vanderbilt
Jan. 28: at Tennessee

Mississippi State basketball news

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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