LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky's reserves have played as big a role as the starters in the No. 5 Wildcats' impressive start.

They provide the depth that has allowed Kentucky to wear down opponents.

Kentucky has a 10-player rotation, with the understudies making major contributions to its 4-0 Southeastern Conference start entering Thursday night's game against Mississippi State (8-9, 0-4). The reserves flexed their muscles again in Sunday's 69-43 victory against Missouri, outscoring the Tigers' bench 16-6. The bench also helped hold the leading 3-point shooting team in women's Division 1 basketball to just two baskets from behind the arc.

Led by Janee Thompson and Bernisha Pinkett, Kentucky's reserves have consistently maintained or extended leads, and helped the Wildcats overcome injuries and foul trouble.