Kentucky Basketball Continues Impressive Preseason With Win Over Texas Tech

Mark Pope and the Kentucky basketball team picked up another exhibition win Friday night, taking down the 19th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders by a score of 76-65. Following their 20-point rout of Little Rock last week, the Wildcats put on another impressive preseason display in Lexington, earning a win over a ranked opponent and showing signs of improvement in several key areas.

It wasn’t the cleanest performance to start, as Kentucky turned the ball over seven times in the opening 11 minutes. Those mistakes allowed Texas Tech to build an early 25-18 lead, putting the Wildcats under pressure against a much tougher opponent than Little Rock. Kentucky responded with a 15-0 run late in the first half, taking control of the game and heading into the locker room with a 37-33 lead.

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Newcomers Ousmane N’Diaye and Milan Momcilovic led the first-half surge, with N’Diaye electrifying Rupp Arena with a mammoth fast-break slam and Momcilovic finding his usual groove from beyond the arc. The stretch showcased the defensive pressure and offensive rhythm Kentucky had struggled to establish early. Despite making just one of its first 11 three-point attempts, the Wildcats found other ways to generate momentum.

The second half was much more of a seesaw battle, with the Wildcats and Red Raiders exchanging blows throughout. Kentucky briefly built a 12-point lead before Texas Tech rallied to tie the game at 52. Freshman Mason Williams helped restore the advantage with a timely three-pointer and a tough jumper, while Furman transfer Alex Wilkins delivered the decisive blow with two late triples. Kentucky ultimately pulled away, shooting 49% from the field and making 19 of 22 free throws.

Five Wildcats finished in double figures, with Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno leading the way with 15 points apiece. Williams added 14, Wilkins scored 13, and N’Diaye contributed 10. The balanced scoring and improved ball security were encouraging signs against a ranked opponent, although the Wildcats…

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Publish date : 2026-10-26 02:13:00

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