FINAL: Kentucky WBB suffers third consecutive loss, falls 77-74 against Mississippi State in overtime

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There was a lot on the line for Kentucky heading into this game. The ‘Cats were coming off a deflating loss to Alabama, while Mississippi State was off the heels of a huge upset over No. 9 LSU. None of that mattered, however, as this game was basically a must-win for Kentucky. But, the ‘Cats weren’t able to come away with the victory. Kentucky lost 77-74 against Mississippi State in what was a back-and-fourth game up until the end.

Maddie Scherr was absolutely instrumental in Kentucky’s effort against the Bulldogs. Mississippi State had the lead all game long, but then Scherr nailed a lead-changing three with 3:38 left to go in the third quarter. She would finish with 19 points on 7-17 (41.2%) shooting while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out five assists.

Then, after going through a bit of a rough patch, senior forward Ajae Petty started to get things turned around against Mississippi State. She would score 11 points while going 4-11 (36.4%) from the field . However, her 10 rebounds were slightly below her usual mark, but regardless, Petty’s performance was a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, all of that didn’t result in a win.

Final. pic.twitter.com/hmjkjyYVA8
— Kentucky Women’s Basketball (@KentuckyWBB) February 2, 2024

On Thursday night, things got off to a very slow start yet again. At the end of the first quarter, Kentucky had only amassed nine total points. But, Mississippi State only had 10. That was the tone setter for the rest of the game. However, the Bulldogs’ lead swelled to seven at the break, and the ‘Cats trailed 29-22 with two quarter to go.

In this losing stretch, Kentucky has seemed to sort of wave the white flag when adversity struck them. That wasn’t the case against Mississippi State. With 4:01 left to go in the third quarter, Maddie Scherr nailed a lead-changing three. The ‘Cats would ultimately force overtime with both teams tied at 66 as the buzzer sounded. From there, it was haymaker after haymaker until the end. Of course, Kentucky wouldn’t reign victorious when it was all said and done.

Next up on the schedule are the other Bulldogs of the SEC, Georgia, in Athens on Sunday.