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Kentucky Wildcats Claim First SEC Victory Against Mississippi State

Kentucky Wildcats basketball team celebrating victory against Mississippi State

Lexington, January 11, 2026

The Kentucky Wildcats bounced back from an early deficit to secure a dominant 92-68 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Rupp Arena. Otega Oweh led the team with 22 points, contributing to a balanced offensive performance. Kentucky’s defense recorded a season-high 14 steals, limiting the Bulldogs’ top scorer effectively. This win improves Kentucky’s overall record to 10-6 and marks their first victory in SEC play, as they look to build momentum for the upcoming game against LSU.

Lexington, Kentucky

On January 10, 2026, the Kentucky Wildcats secured their first Southeastern Conference (SEC) victory of the season by defeating the Mississippi State Bulldogs 92-68 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.

Game Overview

The Wildcats overcame an early 12-point deficit to achieve a decisive win. Key contributors included Otega Oweh, who led the team with 22 points and five steals, and Malachi Moreno, who added 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Denzel Aberdeen and Kam Williams also made significant contributions, scoring 16 and 14 points respectively. Kentucky’s defense was notable, recording a season-high 14 steals and limiting Mississippi State’s leading scorer, Josh Hubbard, to 20 points.

First Half

Mississippi State initially took control, leading by as much as 12 points. However, Kentucky responded with a 12-0 run, taking a 44-39 lead into halftime. Despite the Bulldogs shooting 57% from the field in the first half, the Wildcats’ offense found its rhythm, setting the stage for a strong second-half performance.

Second Half

After Mississippi State narrowed the gap to a single point early in the second half, Kentucky pulled away with a series of runs. The Wildcats’ defense intensified, and their offense capitalized on turnovers, extending the lead to 74-62 with 7:35 remaining. A final 8-0 run sealed the victory, with Kentucky finishing the game shooting 55% from the field.

Team Performance

Overall, Kentucky’s balanced offensive attack and aggressive defense were key to the win. The Wildcats out-rebounded the Bulldogs 36-28 and demonstrated improved cohesion compared to previous games. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Kentucky, which had started SEC play with two losses.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Kentucky improves to 10-6 overall and 1-2 in SEC play. The Wildcats will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next conference matchup against LSU on January 14, 2026.

Key Statistics

Statistic Kentucky Mississippi State
Points 92 68
Field Goal Percentage 55% 50%
Three-Point Percentage 50% (16-32) 33% (4-12)
Rebounds 36 28
Assists 20 15
Steals 14 7

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the final score of the Kentucky vs. Mississippi State game on January 10, 2026?

The final score was Kentucky 92, Mississippi State 68.

Who were the leading scorers for Kentucky in the game?

Otega Oweh led with 22 points, followed by Malachi Moreno with 17 points, Denzel Aberdeen with 16 points, and Kam Williams with 14 points.

How did Kentucky perform defensively in the game?

Kentucky recorded a season-high 14 steals and limited Mississippi State’s leading scorer, Josh Hubbard, to 20 points.

What is Kentucky’s record after this game?

Kentucky’s record improved to 10-6 overall and 1-2 in SEC play.

When is Kentucky’s next game?

Kentucky’s next game is against LSU on January 14, 2026.

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The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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