Kentucky Triumphs 78-65 Over Purdue: Five Key Takeaways

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Kentucky Triumphs 78-65 Over Purdue: Five Key Takeaways

In an impressive exhibition game, No. 9 Kentucky triumphed over No. 1 Purdue with a score of 78-65. The matchup showcased the depth and potential of the Wildcats ahead of the regular season.

Kentucky Starters Shine Despite Key Absences

In this exhibition, Kentucky featured a lineup missing two key players. Starting point guard Jaland Lowe and center Jayden Quaintance, both sidelined by injuries, did not participate. In their absence, former Harlan County star Trent Noah made his debut as a starter, playing alongside Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate, Brandon Garrison, Otega Oweh, and Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen.

Coach Mark Pope utilized a 10-player rotation, bringing on sophomore Collin Chandler as the first substitute. Other players included Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, Andrija Jelavic, and Kam Williams. Kentucky’s bench contributed significantly, demonstrating remarkable depth through eight players scoring at least six points each.

Three-Point Shooting Strategy

Mark Pope has articulated a strategy aiming for an average of 30-35 three-point attempts per game. Last season, Kentucky averaged 25.3 attempts but improved in this exhibition. The Wildcats launched 29 shots from beyond the arc against Purdue, connecting on nine for a 31% success rate.

First Half: 16 attempts, 5 made.
Second Half: 13 attempts, 4 made.

Kentucky’s Homegrown Talent Excels

A trio of Kentucky natives made a notable impact in the game. Jasper Johnson excelled off the bench, scoring 15 points. Trent Noah added 10 points, making half of his three-point attempts. Malachi Moreno contributed with 8 points and 4 rebounds.

These players sparked an 8-0 run late in the second half, thrilling the home crowd at Rupp Arena. The scoring spree solidified Kentucky’s commanding lead and prompted a timeout from Purdue coach Matt Painter.

Exhibition Win Streak Continues

This victory marked Kentucky’s 34th consecutive win in exhibition games. The last time the Wildcats faced defeat in this format was on August 17, 2014, against the Dominican Republic National Team. Historically, Kentucky’s exhibition record now stands at 155 wins and 12 losses.

Last Year’s Final Four Teams Perform

Other notable teams from last year’s NCAA Tournament also performed well in their exhibition games. Duke, Auburn, and Houston recorded victories, with Duke showcasing dominant scores against Lincoln and Arizona State. Auburn won convincingly against Furman and Florida Atlantic, while Houston secured a win against Texas A&M.

As the Wildcats gear up for the regular season, their exhibition success against Purdue suggests a strong foundation for the 2025-26 campaign. With depth, emerging talents, and strategic efforts in play, Kentucky is poised to challenge for a top spot this season.