Kentucky vs. Valparaiso game thread and pregame reading

SB Nation

The Kentucky Wildcats will look to open up the season 2-0 as they take on the Valparaiso Beacons on Friday night at Rupp Arena. Game time is set for 7:00 PM ET on SEC Network+.

Mark Pope’s squad started

off the campaign with a win over Nicholls State on Tuesday night by a score of 77-51. It wasn’t pretty in the first half, but the Cats looked energized after the break. Kentucky only led 28-15 in the first half before exploding for 49 points in the second half.

Collin Chandler was the story of the night as he led Kentucky in scoring with 15 points and also added four assists, capped off with a thunderous dunk over a Colonel defender. Otega Oweh did OO things, scoring 13 points in just 21 minutes. Transfer Denzel Aberdeen had an impressive debut, as did freshmen Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.

Valpo opened its season with a 66-63 win over the Eastern Illinois Panthers. Following a disappointing 2024-25 season, the Beacons were happy with the win, but they should be someone the Cats can beat by 20+ points.

However, the biggest storyline is injury-related as UK has had its share of turmoil thus far. Jayden Quaintance is still recovering from his ACL tear in February, but it appears he’ll be back before long. Aberdeen missed the second exhibition game, but he looked back to normal in game 1. Jaland Lowe will make his Wildcat debut on Friday! And Trent Noah is likely out after rolling his ankle in the season opener.

Hopefully, the Cats can make it out of this one healthy and with a big win in the books.