LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky didn't need to be pretty or dominating, just effective enough at times to break out of its recent slump.
Kevin Knox got things started with his jumper, PJ Washington created opportunities at the foul line and other Wildcats chipped in as needed to get it done.
Washington had a career-high 22 points, Knox scored 19 with four 3-pointers and Kentucky pulled away late for a 78-65 victory over Mississippi State Tuesday night to end a two-game losing streak.
A day after the Wildcats fell out of the Top 25 for the first time since March 2014, Washington and Knox helped end their skid from the foul line and perimeter respectively.