The Kentucky Wildcats will travel to Nashville to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Friday night. Kentucky is an underdog at +5.5. Game time is set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
Mark Pope’s squad now sits at 5-3
on the season. Kentucky has dominated the weak squads on its schedule, but it’s been outright embarrassing to watch them play any team with a pulse. The Cats have dropped games to the Louisville Cardinals on the road, the Michigan State Spartans at a neutral site, and the North Carolina Tar Heels at home.
Pope has now won seven of his last eight games against ranked opponents, and the Zags come in at No. 11, so expectations should be tempered. While beating good teams isn’t easy, it shouldn’t be as hard as Kentucky’s made it look this season.
Aside from the obvious negatives, there are some positives to look forward to. First, Jaland Lowe could return, and Jayden Quaintance won’t be far behind (not Friday, but maybe in the next week or two). Second, Otega Oweh looked more like himself against the Tar Heels, which is a very welcome sign. And finally, Andrija Jelavić showed some real potential on both ends of the court last time out.
As for Mark Few’s squad, their record is 7-1, including wins over Oklahoma, Creighton, Arizona State, Alabama, and Maryland. That’s four wins over Power 4 teams. For reference, Pope is under .500 at Kentucky against P4 teams. Their lone loss came in blowout fashion against Michigan (101-61).
Obviously, this game is going to be a challenge. The Zags have one really bad loss, but the Wolverines look really good, and the Bulldogs have some big wins in their own right. Another opportunity to boost the resume, or hurt it—we’ll just have to wait and see.
Pregame reading
- Kentucky Basketball vs. Gonzaga viewing info, what to watch for, odds, and predictions
- Positive update on Jayden Quaintance and his impending debut for Kentucky Basketball
- Mark Pope has good and bad injury news on Jaland Lowe and Mo Dioubate
- Friday Headlines: Gonzaga Gameday Edition
- Kentucky Basketball Schedule 2025-26: Dates, times, and TV channels
- Kentucky searching for identity as early-season struggles continue
Go CATS!
