LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- James Young lit a fire under Kentucky in the second half Wednesday, propelling the 16th-ranked Wildcats to an 85-63 victory over Mississippi State.
Kentucky had only a three-point lead at the half in what was the opening Southeastern Conference game for both teams. The Wildcats (11-3) won their third in a row since falling at North Carolina on Dec. 14.
Young wound up with 26 points and 10 rebounds although he hit just 8-of-18 from the field and was 3-of-10 from 3-point range.
Mississippi State moved a point in front during the first two minutes of the second half, but Kentucky outscored the Bulldogs the rest of the way 42-19.
Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress both had 12 points for the Wildcats.
Mississippi State (10-4) lost for the second time in three games. Craig Sword paced the Bulldogs with 19 points.
