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Content by – LUKAS WITT – SPORTS VIEW AMERICA …
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(Photo by Mont Dawson)

Pregame Atmosphere

Fans packed Rupp Arena early, eager to get their first glimpse of this year’s Kentucky squad following an electric Big Blue Madness and a promising Blue–White game. Even though it was “just” an exhibition, the energy inside the arena felt like March — and head coach Mark Pope expected nothing less than a near sellout.

This matchup was unique — Kentucky’s first exhibition against a Power program in quite some time — and it came against none other than the preseason No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers. Both teams entered the night with championship aspirations: Purdue looking to finish what last season’s run started, and Kentucky chasing banner No. 9 — its first since the Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist era in 2012.

But when the ball tipped, it was time to play basketball.

First Half

Both teams traded early blows, with Purdue’s Fletcher Loyer catching fire from deep to set the tone. But SEC Preseason Player of the Year Otega Oweh quickly answered, scoring seven of Kentucky’s first twenty points to give the Wildcats a 24–20 edge with 7:21 left in the half.

Kentucky’s energy on the defensive end picked up from there, fueled by international prospect Andrija Jelavic, who finally gave fans a taste of what they’ve been waiting to see. The Cats closed the half strong, heading into the locker room with a 38–30 lead — led by Oweh and standout freshman Jasper Johnson, who chipped in eight points apiece.

Second Half

The momentum carried over after the break. Kentucky continued to stretch its lead, sparked by Trent Noah and Jasper Johnson, whose shooting and transition play helped put the game out of reach. Johnson showcased his ability to score off the bounce and from beyond the arc, knocking down three triples en route to a team-high 15 points on 3-of-7 shooting from deep.

Kentucky led by as many as 17 with just over three minutes to play and never looked back. The Wildcats controlled the game for more than 37 of the 40 minutes, leaving Purdue in chase mode all night.

Malachi Moreno added eight points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance, displaying great passing vision and poise in Kentucky’s new-look offense.

A statement performance, even in exhibition play — and a clear message from Coach Pope’s squad: the Cats are back.

When Are the Cats Back on the Floor?

Kentucky will be back on the floor versus the Georgetown University Hoyas out of the Big East inside Rupp Arena Thursday, October 30th, at 7:00 p.m., and can be watched on SEC Network+.