Kentucky Wildcats extended their dominance over Mississippi State, securing their 19th consecutive regular-season victory against the Bulldogs since the 2008-09 season. With this hard-fought 95-90 win, Kentucky improved to 13-3 overall and 2-1 in SEC conference play. The victory came at a crucial time, especially after a recent loss to Georgia. The turning point of the game? Ansley Almonor, a 6-foot-7 senior forward, who emerged as Kentucky’s unexpected hero.
Almonor, a transfer from Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU), showcased his potential when Kentucky needed it most. His standout performance off the bench included 11 points in just 19 minutes. He shot 4-for-7 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, delivering pivotal three-pointers that shifted the momentum in favor of the Wildcats. Coach Mark Pope was full of praise for Almonor, describing him as the “perfect piece” who made the coach “look smart.”
The Wildcats found themselves on the verge of another SEC loss during the second half when Almonor stepped up. His first three-pointer gave Kentucky the lead, his second created a small cushion, and his third extended their advantage to seven points. This critical stretch of two minutes of brilliance proved to be the decisive factor in securing the victory.
Coach Pope reflected on Almonor’s journey, emphasizing the courage it took for him to transition from FDU to the SEC. At FDU, Almonor averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, but many questioned if he could handle the intensity and speed of SEC basketball. Saturday’s game in Starkville put those doubts to rest. Pope highlighted how Almonor’s decision to join Kentucky, despite the roster already being stacked, showcased his determination and belief in himself. The coach reiterated his earlier prediction that Almonor would complement Kentucky’s style and help them win crucial games.
After the game, Almonor celebrated his performance with a bold social media post. He shared an image of a “Beat Kentucky” sign held up by Mississippi State fans, captioning it with, “Damn, not this year.” His confidence and sense of humor added to the satisfaction of the win.
However, despite the victory, Kentucky’s position in the rankings remains uncertain. According to ESPN’s latest Bracketology, Kentucky has slipped to a No. 4 seed, a notable drop from their No. 1 seed status in December. Losses to Ohio State and Georgia, along with inconsistent play, have contributed to their fall in rankings. The latest projection places Kentucky in the West Region, opening in Seattle. If they defeat No. 13 seed UTEP in the first round, they could face Gonzaga again, a team they defeated earlier this season in a dramatic comeback.
Kentucky’s path to reclaiming their top seed status will be challenging, but this win against Mississippi State could serve as a catalyst. With Texas A&M next on their schedule, a victory could provide the Wildcats with the momentum needed to climb back up the rankings and solidify their position in the SEC.