LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins each scored 16 points to lead No. 23 Kentucky to an 89-80 win over James Madison on Friday night.
The Wildcats (2-0) overcame 18 lead changes and five ties before pulling way with a 15-3 run that turned a 56-54 deficit into a 69-59 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Former James Madison forward Justin McBride added 13 points, Mason Williams had 12 and Brayden Hawthorne 10 for Kentucky. Milan Momcilovic
(24 points per game) scored just seven points.
Diallo scored 10 points in the first half, including six during a 9-0 run. Kentucky finished with 10 3-pointers, including three by McBride.
The Dukes (0-2) made 15 3-pointers, including nine in the first half to keep the game within reach.
Brandon Lee led James Madison (0-2) with 26 points. Garrett Sundra added 15 points and Paul Jones III 12 for the Dukes.
Third-year James Madison coach Preston Spradlin served as a staff member at Kentucky from 2009-14 and was director of operations during the last three seasons with the Wildcats.
James Madison: At Delaware on Wednesday.
Kentucky: Host Kansas on Tuesday.
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