Kentucky gets a boost from unlikely places in final tuneup before Kansas clash
The Wildcats were shaky at times in Friday's victory over James Madison, but Kam Williams made his return and other reserves came up big.
Analysis
Kentucky gets a boost from unlikely places in final tuneup before Kansas clash
The Wildcats were shaky at times in Friday's victory over James Madison, but Kam Williams made his return and other reserves came up big.
8 min read
What happened Friday night in Rupp Arena won’t do much to strike fear in the hearts of Jayhawks, but it might’ve provided a confidence boost for a few Wildcats in need.
And at just the right time.
Kentucky defeated James Madison 89-80 in its second game of the season, which also happened to be its final tuneup before the first marquee matchup on the 2026-27 schedule.
On Tuesday night, it’ll be UK vs. Kansas in Chicago, the latest battle between the two winningest programs in college basketball. It’ll be an early opportunity for Mark Pope’s team to make a statement. It’ll give everyone a better sense of just how good these Cats might be.
But first came Friday night, and the visiting Dukes gave Kentucky just about all it could handle.
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