For the first 39 minutes of action at Kentucky, it appeared the hangover of beating LSU earlier this week was going to hurt Mississippi State women’s basketball.

That was until the Bulldogs’ shooting came to life. In the final minute of regulation, Mississippi State knocked down a trio of 3-pointers – after missing its first nine – to turn an imminent loss into a 77-74 victory.

It was a sluggish showing for MSU (18-5, 5-3 SEC) early on, highlighted by 24 turnovers leading to 22 UK points. However, despite starting guard Jerkaila Jordan fouling out, the sudden burst from beyond the arc helped MSU turn a six-point deficit in the final minute into a two-point lead. UK (9-13, 2-6) hit a layup in the final seconds to send the game into overtime, but the extra life proved to be all MSU needed.

Jessika Carter did her part keeping Mississippi State in the contest throughout much of the game, scoring 25 points to go along with 13 rebounds. MSU coach Sam Purcell, who is in his second season at the helm, is now 19-0 when Carter records a double-double.

Late in the contest, though, it was guard Debreasha Powe who stepped up for the Bulldogs. She scored 10 of her 16 points in the final minute of regulation and overtime.

Due to Kentucky’s struggles this season, Mississippi State avoided a Quadrant 3 loss.

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Mississippi State women's basketball score updates vs. Kentucky

Mississippi State women's basketball schedule 2024

Next five games for MSU:

Feb. 4: at Texas A&M (3 p.m., SEC Network)

Feb. 8: vs. Georgia (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+)

Feb. 11: vs. Florida (2 p.m., SEC Network+)

Feb. 18: at Ole Miss (3 p.m., SEC Network+)

Feb. 22: vs. Kentucky (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+)

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This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State women's basketball surges late, wins at Kentucky