Kentucky’s season‑opening slate wraps up with a showdown against the Big 12’s UCF at Rupp Arena.
Key points
- Kentucky is 2‑0 in preseason exhibition games, highlighted by strong scoring from Milan Momcilovic and balanced contributions from five players against Texas Tech.
- UCF’s exhibition record is split, with Dior Johnson emerging as the team's leading scorer in both outings.
- The final exhibition serves as a benchmark for both programs ahead of conference play, offering coaches a chance to evaluate rotations and strategies.
The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 23, will close its preseason schedule on Wednesday with a 6 p.m. ET exhibition against the University of Central Florida at Rupp Arena, a game that will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
According to the Kentucky athletics site, the Cats have won both of their exhibition games so far. They opened the preseason with a 69‑49 victory over Little Rock, where Milan Momcilovic posted 16 points and Alex Wilkins added 11, while shooting 12‑of‑28 from three‑point range. A week later Kentucky stepped up competition, defeating No. 19 Texas Tech 76‑65; five Wildcats recorded double‑digit scoring, with Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno each tallying 15 points, freshman Mason Williams 14, Wilkins 13 and Ousmane N’Diaye 10.
Kentucky’s exhibition record and key performers
UCF enters the matchup with a 1‑1 record in its own exhibitions. The Knights fell 84‑81 to LSU before rebounding with a win over Rollins College, led by senior guard Dior Johnson, who scored 18 points in the LSU loss and 19 points with seven rebounds against Rollins. The Knights are coached by former Duke guard Johnny Dawkins, now in his 11th season at the helm in Orlando.
Last season, UCF posted a 21‑12 overall record and exited the NCAA Tournament in the first round after a loss to UCLA. Kentucky’s final exhibition offers both teams a chance to fine‑tune lineups and assess depth before conference play begins, with the Wildcats looking to build on their early offensive output and the Knights hoping to gain momentum under Dawkins’ experienced guidance.
UCF’s preseason outings and coaching background
Fans can watch the game live on the SEC Network, and the matchup will also be streamed on the university’s official athletics platforms, providing a final glimpse of each program’s preseason form before the regular season tip‑off.
Reader questions
When and where is the Kentucky vs. UCF exhibition game being played?
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, and will be televised on the SEC Network.
Who are the standout players for Kentucky and UCF in their exhibition games so far?
Kentucky’s key contributors include Milan Momcilovic (16 points vs. Little Rock) and a five‑player double‑digit scoring effort against Texas Tech. UCF’s primary scorer has been Dior Johnson, who posted 18 points against LSU and 19 points with seven rebounds versus Rollins College.
Source: ukathletics.com