🏀 The Kentucky Wildcats (4–2) are still searching for their footing in a season that has already delivered disappointing losses against Louisville and Michigan State. After those marquee matchups exposed the team’s current limitations, Coach Mark Pope’s squad finally found a much-needed rhythm by blowing out Loyola (MD) 88–46 last Friday in Rupp Arena. Now, the Wildcats turn their attention to a tricky mid-week non-conference test against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.
This matchup is more than just a box-score filler; it’s a crucial opportunity for the Kentucky Basketball program to solidify its new rotation before a brutal December schedule kicks off with battles against North Carolina and Gonzaga.
📺 Viewing Information and Key Matchup
* Opponent: Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (3-3)
* Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
* Time: 7:00 PM ET
* Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
* TV Channel: SEC Network+
The Reworked Rotation: Who Steps Up?
The recent victory over Loyola saw meaningful production emerge from a lineup forced to adjust due to injury uncertainty. Junior point guard Jaland Lowe (shoulder) and forward Mo Dioubate (ankle) remain sidelined, while highly-touted sophomore Jayden Quaintance is still limited to 2-on-2 work as he progresses from an ACL tear.
These absences have paved the way for two new faces to shine:
* Malachi Moreno’s Emergence: The freshman center delivered his best collegiate outing yet with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Moreno’s presence as a strong rim-protector and rebounder is invaluable. Against Tennessee Tech, watch to see if he can replicate his success and handle a physically demanding frontcourt role without fouling.
* Kam Williams’ Explosive Efficiency: The Tulane transfer forward, Kam Williams, exploded onto the scene with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and a team-high +40 plus/minus—the best single-game mark by a Wildcat this season. Williams’ efficiency (5/9 shooting, 3 steals) suggests he’s ready for a much larger, high-impact role in the reworked rotation.
What to Watch For: Homecoming and Fundamentals
Tennessee Tech is currently 3-3 and is led by former Kentucky Wildcat and “The Unforgettable,” John Pelphrey, who has been the Golden Eagles’ head coach since 2019-20. This homecoming adds a sentimental layer to the game, but Kentucky cannot afford to get distracted.
The Golden Eagles are a group capable of scoring in bunches. The key for the Wildcats will be simple: fundamentals and defensive discipline. After the high-scoring losses, the 46 points allowed against Loyola showed defensive potential. Kentucky must maintain that focus, limit transition opportunities, and take care of the basketball to prevent an upset. Failure to do so could turn this contest into a frustrating high-scoring affair.
Our Prediction
While Tennessee Tech will be ready to play up to the level of the storied Kentucky Basketball program, the size and talent disparity inside Rupp Arena should ultimately prevail. The emergence of Moreno and Williams gives the Wildcats enough energy and scoring punch to withstand the loss of Lowe.
Prediction: Kentucky Wildcats win, 92–65.