The No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats will host the Valparaiso Beacons on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET in Rupp Arena. The game will air on SEC Network+ and stream on ESPN Unlimited. Kentucky aims to build on their recent 77-51 win over Nicholls, while Valparaiso seeks to carry momentum from a narrow season opener.
Kentucky enters the matchup after a 77-51 victory over Nicholls in their season opener on Tuesday. The Wildcats struggled early, taking 13 minutes to score 13 points and trailing by just six at one point despite Nicholls shooting 1 for 15 from the field. Coach Mark Pope noted postgame, "I think we are a little, you know, just lost in the weeds a little bit on the offensive side. We have challenges as a group offensively. We will be really good there; we just were not good in the first half." Starting point guard Jaland Lowe, who missed recent weeks with a shoulder injury, is expected to return, potentially boosting Kentucky's speed and floor vision.
The Wildcats boast significant depth and athleticism at home, focusing on controlling tempo, dominating the glass, and forcing turnovers on defense. Their offense features experienced transfers and rising stars, though three-point shooting has been inconsistent against Purdue, Georgetown, and Nicholls. Valparaiso comes in as the underdog after a narrow win in their opener, relying on youth, energy, open triples, and rebounding to compete. Facing a top-10 opponent on the road presents challenges, with mistakes likely magnified.
Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. ET on the UK Sports Network with the Jack Burford Chevrolet Countdown to Tip-off, featuring Cameron Mills, Dave Baker, and Andrew Kappes. Tom Leach and Jack 'Goose' Givens will call the action, followed by a Wildcat Wrap-up with player and coach interviews. The game is presented by Kentucky Tourism and available on UKSN All Access.
