No. 23 Kentucky welcomes No. 19 Texas Tech to Rupp Arena on Friday, October 23, for a preseason matchup featuring two ranked college basketball programs. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the game available exclusively through SEC Network+.
The exhibition gives Kentucky another opportunity to sharpen its offense and improve its ball security before the regular season begins. The Wildcats opened their preseason schedule against Little Rock, showing promising defensive play while leaving room for improvement on the offensive end.
Texas Tech offers a tougher test, with experienced perimeter players and a roster capable of challenging Kentucky’s defense. Although the result will not count toward the regular-season standings, the matchup should provide a useful look at both teams ahead of November.
Kentucky Looks to Build on Its Exhibition Opener
Kentucky’s first exhibition highlighted the potential of its shooting attack but also exposed some early-season issues. The Wildcats made 12 of 28 attempts from three-point range against Little Rock, converting 42.9% of their shots from beyond the arc.
Milan Momcilovic led the scoring with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Alex Wilkins added 11 points. Freshman Mason Williams contributed 10 points, offering another encouraging sign for head coach Mark Pope.
Ball security remains a major area to watch. Kentucky struggled with turnovers in its opener, and the guards will need to make better decisions against a Texas Tech team that could punish careless possessions.
Pope’s offensive approach emphasizes perimeter shooting and floor spacing. Kentucky’s ability to create open three-point opportunities while limiting mistakes could be one of the defining factors in Friday’s contest.
Three Things to Watch
1. Can Kentucky protect the basketball?
Kentucky’s offensive rhythm was inconsistent in its first exhibition. Against a more experienced opponent, turnovers could create easy scoring opportunities and prevent the Wildcats from establishing their preferred pace.
The backcourt will need to handle pressure, make quick decisions and deliver the ball to open teammates. Better possession management would help Kentucky get more value from its offensive possessions.
2. Will the Wildcats maintain their three-point threat?
Kentucky showed encouraging shooting touch against Little Rock, making 12 three-pointers. The next challenge is sustaining that production against a different defensive matchup.
Momcilovic’s perimeter shooting could be particularly important. His ability to stretch the floor may create more driving lanes for Kentucky’s guards and force Texas Tech to defend farther from the basket.
3. How will Kentucky handle Texas Tech’s perimeter scoring?
Texas Tech’s experienced guards and wings give the Red Raiders several potential offensive options. Kentucky must communicate defensively, close out under control and avoid giving shooters comfortable looks from long range.
The Wildcats’ performance on the perimeter could help determine whether their defensive promise from the opening exhibition carries over against a ranked opponent.
Texas Tech Players to Watch
Darrion Williams, forward: Williams is an experienced player whose scoring, rebounding and passing can give Texas Tech flexibility on offense. Kentucky will need to account for his ability to contribute in several areas rather than focusing solely on his scoring.
Donovan Atwell, guard: Atwell’s perimeter shooting makes him a player Kentucky cannot afford to leave open. Strong defensive communication will be essential whenever he moves beyond the three-point line.
Cruz Davis, guard: Davis brings scoring and playmaking ability to the backcourt. His capacity to create opportunities for himself and his teammates could test Kentucky’s defensive discipline.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, guard: Gibbs-Lawhorn adds another scoring option in the backcourt. Kentucky will need to limit his clean looks and prevent him from building momentum.
JT Toppin, forward: Toppin is reportedly recovering from a torn ACL and is not expected to play. His availability should be confirmed through the latest team updates before tipoff, as his absence would affect Texas Tech’s frontcourt options.
Kentucky vs. Texas Tech: Game Information
Matchup: No. 23 Kentucky vs. No. 19 Texas Tech
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, Lexington, Kentucky
Broadcast: SEC Network+
Online streaming: ESPN app or ESPN’s official watch website, subject to applicable access and TV-provider requirements
Radio: UK Sports Network, featuring Tom Leach and Jack “Goose” Givens
Kentucky roster: https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/
Texas Tech roster: https://texastech.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster
How to Watch Kentucky vs. Texas Tech Online
Friday’s exhibition is an internet-only broadcast on SEC Network+, rather than a traditional telecast on the main SEC Network channel.
Viewers can check the game through the ESPN watch website or the ESPN app. Access may require an eligible television-provider login, so fans should confirm their streaming credentials and availability before tipoff.
International viewers should check the streaming options available in their region.
What Comes Next for the Wildcats?
Kentucky has another chance to work through its early-season issues before the regular-season opener against Manhattan on November 3. Friday’s exhibition against Texas Tech should offer a clearer picture of the Wildcats’ progress with ball security, perimeter shooting and backcourt chemistry.
The matchup may not affect either team’s official win-loss record, but it provides both programs with a valuable opportunity to prepare for the season ahead.
What will matter most for Kentucky against Texas Tech: fewer turnovers, better perimeter defense or another strong shooting performance? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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