In its biggest test since a narrow loss at Louisville in early December, the No. 16 University of Kentucky women’s basketball team got pushed around by No. 7 Mississippi State in Starkville on Sunday.
The Bulldogs owned the paint, pulling down twice as many rebounds as the Cats on their way to an 86-71 victory. The loss snapped a five-game win streak for Kentucky, which fell to 14-2 on the season and 1-1 in Southeastern Conference play. Mississippi State, the defending regular-season SEC champion, improved to 14-1 overall and 2-0 in the SEC.
Kentucky’s defense was disruptive once again, forcing 24 turnovers.