Kentucky's Reed Sheppard proves to be John Calipari's most dangerous weapon

Reed Sheppard has been one of Kentucky's most impactful players all season long. 

On Tuesday, he outdid even those lofty standards. Shepard was phenomenal throughout the No. 16 Wildcats' 91-89 road win over Mississippi State. The freshman racked up a career-high 32 points on a hyper-efficient 11-of-14 from the field (including 4-of-7 from three), adding seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

His effect on the contest went even further than that, though.

With just under a minute remaining, the Wildcats led 83-75 after a pair of free throws from freshman Rob Dillingham. The game was over.
Until it wasn't.

Mississippi State guard Josh Hubbard nailed a three to cut the host's deficit to five, then hit another after a pair of Antonio Reeves foul shots. A Cameron Matthews' and-one, two free throws from Tolu Smith and two more from Sheppard made it 89-86 Kentucky with under 20 seconds remaining.

The fun was only beginning. On the ensuing Mississippi State possession, Hubbard nailed a triple. Tie game, 8.1 seconds on the clock.

Kentucky head coach John Calipari had two timeouts at his disposal. But instead, he trusted his guys to make a play. After D.J. Wagner was cut off by Hubbard, Sheppard did exactly that. The 19-year-old caught Wagner's pass, dribbled to his left and put up a running floater. Splash. Wildcats 91, Bulldogs 89. 

For good measure, Sheppard caught the ensuing Mississippi State heave, a fitting ending to an utterly outstanding performance by the freshman.

"He plays to win," a boastful Calipari told reporters after the game.