John Calipari calls Mississippi State 'tougher' in first half

Kentucky enjoyed a nice win on Saturday against Alabama, being an offensive shootout. But things were going to change in Starkville, with Mississippi State looking to get more physical. Running up and down the court is now the Bulldogs game, wanting to get around the basket and compete down low.

Heading into the halftime locker room, Mississippi State is up 43-35 and according to John Calipari, they have been “tougher” than Kentucky. Calipari is not losing faith in his team though, believing they can come back out and respond in the right way.

“50/50 balls, they’re playing around the basket,” Calipari said when speaking to ESPN’s Marty Smith. “Being a little tougher than us. But we’ll be fine.”

When getting inside the three-point arc, Kentucky has been quite effective. They have made seven of 11 attempts but have still been firing from deep. Just as many shots have fallen from three, going 7-18 in the first half.

However, Mississippi State has been more effective in drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. Ten attempts came in the first 20, making six, while Kentucky missed their only two shots from the charity stripe.

Calipari will surely give his team a spirited halftime talk and get them amped up for the second half. Some physicality will be required to quickly erase an eight-point deficit. Kentucky will continue to play its own game but have to adjust at some point.

Kentucky hoping to keep momentum rolling with win vs. Mississippi State

Kentucky tripped on the road against LSU, taking a loss not many expected. Even a special performance from Rob Dillingham was not enough to save the Wildcats in Baton Rouge, falling in the final moments of the game due to a buzzer-beater.

And with a contest against Alabama coming the following Saturday, the intensity was only amplified with SEC regular season title chances and NCAA Tournament projected seeding slipping.

Calipari got Kentucky to respond in the right way, coming out and blowing out Alabama. An offensive masterclass from the Cats led them to a huge win and got the program back on the right path.

However, taking a loss in Starkville would be another step in the wrong direction. Mississippi State is a good team and will likely make the NCAA Tournament. But Kentucky is looking to play at a more consistent level and falling on the road would bring back some questions for the time being.