Rupp Arena is absolutely rocking. The top-ranked Purdue Boilermakers rolled into Lexington for a high-profile exhibition, but through the first 20 minutes, it’s Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats who look like the more connected, intense, and complete team.
Fueled by suffocating defense and relentless energy on the glass, Kentucky takes a well earned 38-30 lead into the halftime break.
Wildcats set the tone with defense and rebounding
From the opening tip, Kentucky played with a physicality and urgency that clearly disrupted the veteran Boilermakers. The Wildcats’ length and athleticism swarmed Purdue, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.