No. 22 Kentucky tops No. 3 Mississippi State in overtime, 78-75

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Makayla Epps scored the go-ahead basket with 8.7 seconds remaining in overtime and Evelyn Akhator had eight points in the extra session to give No. 22 Kentucky a 78-75 upset victory over the No. 3 Mississippi State women Thursday night.

After Akhator’s layup with 55 seconds left tied it at 75, Epps grabbed Makenzie Cann’s missed 3-pointer and moved in for the soft tip-in to put Kentucky ahead to stay in a tense game featuring nine ties and 15 lead changes — with most coming after halftime. Maci Morris’s free throw with 1.8 seconds left sealed the victory and the Wildcats’ eighth straight 20-win season.

Akhator scored 22 points in the fourth quarter and OT to finish with 27 points. She also had 16 rebounds in her home finale. Epps had 22 points to help Kentucky (20-8, 11-4 Southeastern Conference) deny the Bulldogs’ quest to clinch a share of their first SEC title.

Victoria Vivians had 27 points, and Morgan William added 20 for Mississippi State (27-2, 13-2). It had won seven straight.

The Bulldogs’ struggles against Kentucky continued as they lost for the 11th straight time. They shot 48 percent but couldn’t put away the Wildcats when they had the chance in OT.

Mississippi State’s top-five standing might take a hit. Kentucky, meanwhile, looks to move up with another win Sunday at No. 7 South Carolina.