Lexington, KY – The Kentucky Wildcats continued their strong start to the 2026‑27 season by beating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 76-65 in an exhibition game at Rupp Arena on Monday night. Ranked No. 23 nationally, the Wildcats used a decisive 15‑0 run early in the first half to seize a 37-33 lead at halftime.
Key performances
Center Malachi Moreno contributed 15 points and six rebounds, matching the scoring output of forward Milan Momcilovic, who also added 15 points. The Wildcats displayed efficient ball movement, recording 18 assists on 25 made field goals. Guard Alex Wilkins sparked the second half, hitting two three‑pointers that helped extend a 62-59 advantage into an 8-2 run, effectively sealing the victory.
Team outlook
With the win, Kentucky improves to 2-0 in exhibition play. The Wildcats have one more tune‑up scheduled for Wednesday night when they host the University of Central Florida. The regular season will begin on Tuesday, November 3, when Kentucky welcomes Manhattan to Rupp Arena for the first official game.
What the win means for fans
Local supporters saw a promising blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, suggesting the Wildcats are well‑positioned to compete for conference honors. The strong defensive effort and balanced scoring indicate that Coach John Calipari’s system is taking hold early, giving Lexington fans confidence heading into the competitive season ahead.
Looking ahead
The upcoming exhibition against Central Florida will provide another opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate depth and fine‑tune rotations. As the Wildcats transition from preseason to regular‑season play, the focus will shift to conference matchups and the pursuit of a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
