Kentucky win streak reaches 24
Published 12:00 am Monday, March 17, 2003
NEW ORLEANS - No. 23 and No. 24 will add up to No. 1 for Kentucky going into the NCAA tournament.
The Wildcats extended their winning streak to 23 straight, holding off Mississippi State 64-57 on Sunday to win their 24th Southeastern Conference tournament championship.
Kentucky came to New Orleans ranked second in the country, but they will undoubtedly move up to the top spot after a weekend of upsets.
Keith Bogans, the tournament MVP, scored 22 points as the Wildcats (29-3) became the first team in 51 years to go undefeated in the SEC and then win the conference tournament.
Winsome Frazier hit a 3-pointer to bring Mississippi State (21-9) within 56-55 with 2:42 remaining, and the Bulldogs had a chance to go ahead when Mario Austin was fouled with 1:51 to go.
But the star center missed both free throws and Kentucky hung on.