Mississippi State prematurely warns fans against court-storming, loses to Kentucky

Following Kyle Filipowski‘s injury on Saturday when Wake Forest stormed the court, programs out there are taking precautions. Big upset wins are great for the program but they are looking to avoid anybody else getting hurt. Especially in the SEC where an additional $100,000 fine comes from the offices in Birmingham.

Mississippi State wanted to make sure nothing happened at Humphrey Coliseum on Tuesday night with Kentucky in town. A message was shown on the jumbotron, warning fans against court-storming if the Bulldogs were able to come away with a win. It occurred with around five minutes remaining and Mississippi State up four points.

However, the move backfired.

Kentucky was able to complete the comeback and will leave Starkville with a much-needed win. While the message was much needed to warn fans against coming onto the court, the move in hindsight is hilarious.

Mississippi State calls its shot. pic.twitter.com/ZmJH8Xrvyo

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) February 28, 2024

Mississippi State did have a big win earlier in the season against Tennessee, being another opportunity to storm the court. Nobody did run out there, except two people dressed up in banana costumes. All things considered, a funny outcome considering what could have been.

As for Tuesday’s loss, it’s a tough one for Mississippi State to swallow. A huge chance to get a big win in front of the home fans slowly dwindled away.

Reed Sheppard hits game-winning shot against Mississippi State

In a finish for the ages, Kentucky star Reed Sheppard refused to be denied. He had a monster game, then delivered the dagger just before the buzzer in a 91-89 win over Mississippi State.

Kentucky nursed a small lead into the final moments of the game, but Mississippi State simply refused to go away.

And a costly turnover by Sheppard almost allowed the Bulldogs to do something special in a come-from-behind attempt. Sheppard made sure to make up for it in the end, though, doing so with a brilliant driving make in the lane for the game-winner.

It came just moments after Mississippi State tied the game at 89-89 with a deep 3-pointer from Josh Hubbard with 10 seconds left.

Sheppard got the ball on the ensuing possession, took it near the top of the arc and split two defenders, then released a floater into the lane. It sailed … then swished, leaving just 0.6 seconds on the clock.

And on the ensuing in-bounds pass, Reed Sheppard corralled it to seal the win. Check out his game-winning floater below.

.@reed_sheppard CALLED GAME. pic.twitter.com/iNUVgfMKoW

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 28, 2024