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November 7, 2025 (Photo by Mont Dawson)
Pregame Atmosphere
It was a great crowd inside Rupp Arena for a Friday night matchup as the Wildcats hosted the Valparaiso Beacons. Kentucky entered the game fresh off a 77–51 win over Nicholls and welcomed back point guard Jaland Lowe, who returned from a right shoulder injury suffered during the Blue-White game.
The Wildcats were heavy favorites — by a 32.5-point spread — but there was some concern about looking ahead to Tuesday’s rivalry clash against Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. Still, fans packed the arena eager to see how the Cats would perform with nearly a full roster back in action.
First Half
Kentucky wasted no time asserting control, jumping out to a 20–5 run capped by a basket from Lowe, who came off the bench to officially begin his Kentucky career.
Denzel Aberdeen led the first-half charge with 10 points, going a perfect 2-for-2 from the field and 5-for-5 from the line. The Cats were on fire offensively, shooting 65% from the field and 54% from three, while suffocating Valpo on defense — holding them to just 26% overall and 20% from deep.
By halftime, Kentucky had built a commanding 58–26 lead over the Beacons.
Second Half
The second half brought more of the same dominance. Kentucky continued to control both ends of the floor, quickly putting the game out of reach.
The Wildcats rolled to a 107–59 victory, finishing the night shooting 54% from the field and 39% from three.
Kentucky native Malachi Moreno had a breakout performance, recording the first double-double of his career with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Six Wildcats scored in double figures, including Preseason SEC Player of the Year Otega Oweh, who contributed 15 points (6-of-10 FG) and five rebounds.
With the win, Kentucky improved to 2–0, marking the fifth time in Mark Pope’s coaching career — and the second time at Kentucky — that his team has opened the season with two straight victories.
When do the Cats play again?
The Cats will make the drive over to Louisville to take on in state rival the Louisville Cardinals inside the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday November 11th the game will be at 8 PM and can be watched on ESPN.
Box Score
