No. 9 Kentucky faced off against No. 1 Purdue in an exhibition game, securing a 78-65 victory. This match showcased Kentucky’s depth and strategy, giving fans a glimpse of the team’s potential for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways from Kentucky’s 78-65 Victory Against Purdue
Starting Lineup Insights
This exhibition marked a significant moment for Kentucky freshman Trent Noah. The former Harlan County standout made his first college start, joining the starting five alongside Alabama transfer Mouhamed Dioubate, returning players Brandon Garrison and Otega Oweh, and Florida transfer Denzel Aberdeen. Jaland Lowe, expected to lead as point guard, was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, prompting Aberdeen to step in as the starting guard. Coach Mark Pope utilized a deep rotation, with 10 players contributing before halftime.
3-Point Shooting Strategy
Under Coach Mark Pope, Kentucky aims for 30-35 three-point attempts per game. Last season, they averaged just 25.3 attempts. In this exhibition, the Wildcats displayed improved shooting, finishing 9 of 29 from beyond the arc. They began strong, making five three-pointers in the first half alone, demonstrating their enhanced offensive approach.
Hometown Talent Shines
Kentucky’s local talent had a standout night. Freshman Jasper Johnson led all scorers with 15 points, shooting 6 of 10 from the field and hitting three three-pointers. Trent Noah added 10 points in his debut, making half of his three-point attempts. Malachi Moreno also contributed significantly with eight points and four rebounds. An electrifying 8-0 run late in the game by these players lifted the spirits of the Rupp Arena crowd, highlighting the team’s collective talent.
Exhibition Win Streak
Kentucky’s victory over Purdue extended their exhibition win streak to 34 games. The last loss in such a game occurred on August 17, 2014, against the Dominican Republic National Team. Historically, Kentucky has an impressive record of 155-12 in exhibition contests, reflecting their dominance in non-competitive settings.
Context of Last Year’s Final Four Teams
Interestingly, the last four teams from the 2025 NCAA Tournament went undefeated in their exhibition games. Notably, Duke and Auburn showcased their abilities with multiple victories, while national runner-up Houston secured a win in their sole exhibition. Florida, however, opted out of exhibition games entirely as they began their season.
- Final Score: Kentucky 78, Purdue 65
- Winning Streak: 34 consecutive exhibition victories
- Impressive Stats: Nine three-pointers made; 15 points by Jasper Johnson
This exhibition game not only highlighted Kentucky’s promising depth but also set the tone for the upcoming season, as fans eagerly await to see how these developments will translate into competitive play.
