It’s only the second game of the season, but Kentucky basketball already looks like a team built for March. The Wildcats absolutely dismantled Valparaiso 107-59 on Friday night inside Rupp Arena, putting together one of the most complete performances of the Mark Pope era — and sending a message to the rest of college basketball.
From the opening tip, the No. 9 Wildcats came out firing. Otega Oweh scored the game’s first bucket just 15 seconds in, and by the first media timeout, Kentucky had already built a double-digit lead. The pace, energy, and ball movement looked like something out of a highlight reel.
By halftime, Kentucky had dropped 58 points and led by more than 30 — turning what was supposed to be a tune-up game into a rout. Six Wildcats hit double figures in scoring, showing just how deep and balanced this roster really is.
Mark Pope shook up the starting lineup, giving Denzel Aberdeen his first start of the season alongside Collin Chandler, Otega Oweh, Mo Dioubate, and Brandon Garrison. Trent Noah was sidelined with an ankle injury suffered earlier in the week, but that didn’t slow the offense one bit.
The night also marked the highly anticipated debut of Jaland Lowe, and the junior guard wasted no time making his presence felt. Lowe checked in midway through the first half and quickly picked up his first assist as a Wildcat. He finished with six points and five assists in just 18 minutes — a promising glimpse of what’s to come.
Sophomore sharpshooter Collin Chandler stayed hot after his breakout game against Nicholls, hitting four threes and finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Freshman big man Malachi Moreno continued to impress, recording his first career double-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists — all while committing zero turnovers.
Jasper Johnson nearly joined the double-figure club himself, hitting three triples for nine points and dishing out five assists in another confident showing.
Through two games, it’s clear this isn’t last year’s Kentucky team. The Wildcats are faster, deeper, and more connected — and Pope’s new system looks tailor-made for this roster. The Cats move the ball, share the scoring, and defend with energy from the tip.
Next up? A road test against in-state rival Louisville, who sits at 2-0 after cruising past Jackson State. The showdown is set for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET at the KFC Yum! Center on ESPN — and if Friday’s performance was any indication, Mark Pope’s team will be ready.
Big Blue Nation, buckle up — this Kentucky team might just be the real deal.
