Kentucky enters Wednesday night sitting at 4–2, searching for stability, chemistry, and a true identity as the early season chaos continues to unfold. After stumbling in both of their marquee matchups — on the road at Louisville and in New York against Michigan State — the Wildcats finally found their footing with an 88–46 dismantling of Loyola (MD) at Rupp Arena.
That performance didn’t happen by accident. With injuries stacking up, Mark Pope went to a revamped starting lineup featuring Tulane transfer Kam Williams and freshman center Malachi Moreno, and the results were immediate.
Williams posted a monstrous +40, the best single-game plus/minus by a Wildcat this season, while Moreno delivered the most complete outing of his young career: 10 points, eight boards, four blocks, and a +24. They injected energy, rim protection, and rebounding — three things Kentucky desperately needed.
Now, as Tennessee Tech comes to Lexington, the Wildcats aim to build on their best win of the season and stack back-to-back victories before December’s gauntlet arrives.
Injury Report
Kentucky’s rotation remains fluid as three players continue to recover:
Jaland Lowe (shoulder) — day-to-day
Mo Dioubate (ankle) — could return after missing the Loyola game
Jayden Quaintance (ACL) — progressing, now cleared for controlled 2-on-2 work
If Dioubate sits again, expect Kentucky to roll with Friday’s starting five: Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, Otega Oweh, Kam Williams, and Malachi Moreno. If he returns, Pope will have decisions to make regarding size, spacing, and rotations.
What Kentucky MUST Avoid vs. Tennessee Tech
1. Giving Up Rhythm Threes
Tennessee Tech averages 81.0 points per game and shoots 48.6% from the field. They aren’t great from deep (30.1%), but they take over 25 threes per game.
Kentucky can’t afford slow rotations or late closeouts — that’s how underdogs hang around.
2. Losing the Rebounding Battle
Tennessee Tech pulls down 41.2 rebounds per game, and Kentucky can’t give them second chances, especially if Dioubate and Quaintance remain unavailable.
Moreno, Williams, Oweh, and Garrison must hit the glass early and often.
3. Letting Tennessee Tech Off the Hook With Turnovers
Tech averages a staggering 16.2 turnovers per game — a major weakness.
Kentucky’s athleticism should turn those mistakes into transition points. If the Wildcats don’t pressure the ball, this becomes a much closer game than analytics predict.
4. Overthinking the Starting Lineup
After Friday’s success, Pope faces a decision:
Stick with the Williams–Moreno frontcourt,
Or reinsert Dioubate or Garrison if healthy.
Given how smooth and connected Kentucky looked, chemistry should win out. The Wildcats need continuity right now.
Tennessee Tech Players to Watch
A breakdown of the primary Golden Eagle threats:
Mekhi Cameron (14.2 PPG) – downhill scorer
Jajuan Nicholls (11.3 PPG, 75% FG) – elite finisher, rim protector
Dani Pounds (11.2 PPG) – strong rebounder and interior scorer
Brandon Muntu (9.7 PPG) – streaky shooter
Ja’Quavian Florence (9.5 PPG) – creates shots off the dribble
Jacobe Whitted (5.7 RPG) – energetic freshman rebounder
Ty Owens (4.8 APG) – Tech’s lead playmaker
Game Info
Time: 7:00 PM ET, Nov. 26, 2025
Location: Rupp Arena
TV: SEC Network+
Stream: ESPN+ / ESPN App
Radio: UK Sports Network
Predictions
Analytics overwhelmingly favor Kentucky:
EvanMiya: 95–61
bartTorvik: 94–61
Haslametrics: 92–61
KenPom: 93–61
My Pick: Kentucky 93–62.
The Wildcats’ improved energy, defensive edge, and lineup continuity carry them to another dominant performance.
Go Cats.
