LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) – LaToya Thomas had 21 points and 13rebounds as Mississippi State opened up Southeastern Conferenceplay with a 59-54 victory Thursday night over Kentucky.

Mississippi State (10-4, 1-0 SEC) had to come from behind towin. With the game tied at 54, Tan White came up with a steal andhit a 3-pointer with 33 seconds left to give Mississippi State thelead for good.

The Lady Bulldogs trailed by as much as 12 points, 48-36, butMississippi State held Kentucky (7-6, 0-1) to 29.6 percent shootingin the second half.

Mississippi State went on a 13-0 run to take its first lead at49-48 with 5:48 remaining.

Jennifer Fambrough scored 16 points for the Lady Bulldogs.

Kentucky led 33-26 at the half.

Rita Adams scored 20 points and SeSe Helm had 17 to leadKentucky. LaTonya McDole had 10 points and 10 rebounds for theWildcats.