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Kentucky's 14-point win over UCF hides a major concern before College Basketball season
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- Kentucky's 14-point win over UCF hides a major concern before College Basketball season
Kentucky's 14-point win over UCF hides a major concern before College Basketball season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Kentucky Wildcats finished their preseason exhibition schedule with a perfect record Wednesday night, but anyone who simply checks the final score might walk away with a misleading impression of what happened inside Rupp Arena.
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No. 23 Kentucky defeated UCF 90-76 in overtime, completing a 3-0 exhibition campaign before the 2026-27 college basketball season officially begins.
A 14-point win over a Big 12 opponent would normally suggest a comfortable evening for Mark Pope's team.
This was anything but comfortable.
Kentucky trailed by two points during the final seconds of regulation and needed a dramatic basket from Alex Wilkins to avoid a potentially embarrassing exhibition defeat.
The Wildcats then dominated the extra period, outscoring UCF 19-5 to produce a final margin that hardly reflected the tension of the preceding 40 minutes.
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The victory was exciting, but it also revealed an important issue Kentucky must address before the regular season begins.
Alex Wilkins saves Kentucky from exhibition defeat
Kentucky appeared in serious danger of losing when UCF moved ahead 71-69 with only seconds remaining in regulation. The Wildcats had previously held a double-digit advantage but struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm.
After UCF missed a late free throw, Wilkins received an opportunity to save the game.
The Furman transfer pushed the ball up the floor, attacked the defense and connected on a difficult floater just before time expired. The basket tied the score at 71 and sent the contest into overtime.
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It was a particularly important moment for Wilkins, who had already shown an ability to deliver timely offense during Kentucky's exhibition victory over Texas Tech.
His latest contribution came when the Wildcats desperately needed a basket.
Once overtime began, Kentucky finally found the offensive consistency that had been missing during portions of regulation. Milan Momcilovic opened the extra period with a three-pointer and added another basket shortly afterward. Wilkins contributed a three-pointer of his own, helping Kentucky establish separation and eventually secure the 90-76 victory.
Free-throw problems nearly cost Wildcats
Kentucky's late comeback was encouraging, but its inability to convert free throws during regulation deserves attention. The Wildcats made just nine of 17 attempts from the free-throw line during the opening 40 minutes.
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Those missed opportunities helped UCF remain competitive despite Kentucky holding a lead of as many as 13 points. The problem became particularly noticeable during the final seconds.
Braydon Hawthorne missed two late free throws, leaving Kentucky vulnerable to UCF's final offensive possessions. The Knights capitalized by taking a two-point lead, forcing Wilkins to deliver his last-second heroics.
Kentucky's offense also endured several lengthy scoring droughts during the second half. Those stretches allowed UCF to regain momentum and put pressure on a Wildcats team that had looked comfortable earlier in the evening.
Exhibition games are designed to expose weaknesses before the regular season begins, and Wednesday provided Pope with several areas to address.
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Malachi Moreno and Mason Williams Provide Encouraging Signs
Despite the difficulties, Kentucky received several performances that should encourage fans.
Momcilovic led the Wildcats with 19 points, including important baskets during overtime.
Freshman Mason Williams contributed 18 points and continued establishing himself as an intriguing offensive option.
Malachi Moreno delivered one of Kentucky's most complete individual performances, finishing with 16 points and eight assists while collecting double-digit rebounds.
The center came within two assists of a triple-double, demonstrating the passing ability that could make him an especially valuable part of Pope's offense.
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Wilkins finished with 12 points, but his contribution was far more important than that total suggests.
His final-second basket prevented a defeat, and his overtime shooting helped turn a narrow escape into a double-digit victory.
Kentucky also demonstrated resilience by responding positively after losing control of the game late in regulation.
That ability to recover from adversity could become valuable once the Wildcats enter SEC competition.
MORE: UConn may have found its next breakout star in freshman Colben Landrew
Mark Pope Has Work to Do Before Regular Season
Kentucky opens its regular season November 3 against Manhattan at Rupp Arena. That gives Pope several days to address the problems exposed by UCF.
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The Wildcats have shown encouraging potential throughout their three exhibition victories, including a strong performance against nationally ranked Texas Tech. However, inconsistent offensive execution and missed free throws could become costly against stronger opponents.
The final score against UCF was impressive. The performance behind it was much more complicated.
Kentucky finished the preseason undefeated, but Wednesday's narrow escape demonstrated why exhibition victories should be evaluated by more than the scoreboard. For Pope and his staff, the most valuable part of the night may have been discovering exactly what still needs improvement.
