In a season that has already taken several sharp turns, Kentucky basketball sits at 4–2 and continues to search for consistency, identity, and reliability heading into Wednesday night’s matchup with Tennessee
Tech. After being outplayed in both marquee opportunities, at Louisville inside the KFC Yum! Center and against Michigan State in the Champions Classic in New York City, the Wildcats finally found some much-needed rhythm last Friday, blowing out Loyola (MD) 88–46 at Rupp Arena.
The victory came with noticeable lineup changes, continued injury uncertainty, and meaningful production from two new starters: Tulane transfer forward Kam Williams and freshman center Malachi Moreno. With junior point guard Jaland Lowe still day-to-day with a shoulder injury, Mo Dioubate recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Michigan State, and Jayden Quaintance still progressing from an ACL tear (now doing 2-on-2 work), Kentucky was forced to rework its rotation, and the adjustments paid off.
Moreno delivered his best collegiate outing yet: 10 points (5/10 FG), 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steal, and a +24. Williams exploded for 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals on 5/9 shooting, posting a team-high +40, the best single-game plus/minus by a Wildcat this season.
Now at 4–2 and looking to build momentum before entering a tougher December schedule, Kentucky welcomes a dangerous Tennessee Tech team, which is a group capable of scoring in bunches and presenting real challenges if the Wildcats fail to take care of the fundamentals.
Injury Report
Kentucky’s roster remains in flux, and Wednesday’s availability will again be a storyline.
- Jaland Lowe (shoulder) — remains day-to-day
- Mo Dioubate (ankle) — could play after missing the Loyola game
- Jayden Quaintance (ACL recovery) — continuing progression, now cleared for controlled 2-on-2 work
If Dioubate remains out, expect Kentucky to roll with the same starting lineup: Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, Otega Oweh, Kam Williams, and Malachi Moreno. If he plays, Mark Pope could shift back to the original rotation or experiment again with matchups and rebounding needs.
What to Watch for in Kentucky vs. Tennessee Tech
1. Limiting Tennessee Tech’s Scoring Punch
Tennessee Tech comes in at 3–3, but what jumps off the page is their ability to score as they are averaging 81.0 points per game
They shoot a scorching 48.6% from the field, though just 30.1% from three. Tech attempts more than 25 threes per game, making perimeter discipline a priority for Kentucky. The Wildcats can’t allow rhythm looks or late closeouts.
2. Controlling the Glass
Rebounding remains a question mark for the Wildcats, especially without Dioubate or Quaintance. Tennessee Tech averages 41.2 rebounds per game.
Moreno, Williams, Oweh, and Garrison must establish positioning early, both offensively and defensively, to prevent second-chance scoring opportunities.
3. Winning the Turnover Battle
This is where Kentucky can create separation.
Tennessee Tech averages 16.2 turnovers per contest. That’s a glaring weakness, and with Kentucky’s length, anticipation, and improved activity from Williams and Oweh, this could be the Wildcats’ clearest opportunity to blow the game open.
4. Which Starting Lineup Will Mark Pope Go With?
After Friday’s success, Pope faces a meaningful decision:
- Stick with the athletic, versatile lineup featuring Williams and Moreno, or
- Insert Dioubate (if healthy) or Garrison back into the starting frontcourt
Given how well Kentucky flowed offensively and how dominant the team was defensively, continuity may be the smartest choice.
Players to Know
While Tennessee Tech plays a 10-man rotation, these are the primary Wildcats fans need to know:
G Mekhi Cameron – 6’4″ Senior
- 14.2 PPG
- 4.0 RPG
- 1.3 APG
- 50.9% FG
A downhill threat and the team’s leading scorer, Cameron thrives when he gets to his spots inside the arc.
F Jajuan Nicholls – 6’8″ Junior
- 11.3 PPG
- 5.3 RPG
- 1.5 BPG
- 75% FG
Ultra-efficient finisher who can block shots and change plays around the rim.
F Dani Pounds – 6’8″ Junior
- 11.2 PPG
- 5.5 RPG
- 1.3 APG
- 60% FG
A physical interior presence who attacks the offensive glass and finishes well in traffic.
G Brandon Muntu – 6’4″ Senior
- 9.7 PPG
- 3.0 RPG
- 0.8 APG
One of Tech’s streakiest shooters who can heat up if left unchecked.
G Ja’Quavian Florence – 6’4″ Senior
- 9.5 PPG
- 2.7 APG
- 2.3 RPG
- 51.3% FG
Highly efficient guard who creates shots off the dribble.
G Jacobe Whitted – 6’7″ Freshman
- 5.7 RPG (team-leader)
A relentless rebounder who plays above his age.
G Ty Owens – 6’0″ Junior
- 4.8 APG (team-leader)
- 25.3 MPG
Floor general who controls pace and initiates most of their offensive sets.
Kentucky Basketball vs. Tennessee Tech Game Information
- Time: 7:00 PM ET, November 26, 2025
- Location: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center — Lexington, KY
- TV: SEC Network+ (stream only)
- Online Stream: ESPN+ and ESPN app
- Radio: Tom Leach & Jack Givens – UK Sports Radio Network
- Replay: WatchESPN
- Rosters: UK | Tennessee Tech
- Stats to Know: UK | Tennessee Tech
- KenPom: UK | Tennessee Tech
- Team Sheet: UK | Tennessee Tech
- Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook does not have an official spread yet, so check back later for those. EvanMiya gives Kentucky a 99.8 % chance of winning, BartTorvik is at 99%, KenPom is at 99.8%, and ESPN is at 99%.
- Predictions: EvanMiya has Kentucky winning 95-61, BartTorvik has the Cats winning 94-61. Haslametrics is going with a 92-61 victory for Kentucky. KenPom has the Cats winning 93-61. I’m going with a 93-62 victory, Kentucky!
Go Cats!
