Some nights, victory isn’t just measured by the scoreboard — it’s measured by heart, patience, and the roar of a crowd that never stopped believing. Rupp Arena felt that kind of night on Tuesday, as No. 9 Kentucky shook off early frustration, found its rhythm, and delivered a powerful, joyful 77–51 win over Nicholls to open the 2025–26 season in style.
The first half tested the fans’ nerves, but it also showcased Kentucky’s character. Shots weren’t falling, the rhythm wasn’t there, but the Wildcats never quit defending, never stopped fighting, and never let Nicholls breathe. And once the offense came alive, the magic returned — loud, fast, and unforgettable.
On paper, the numbers tell the story. Kentucky shot just 32% in the opening half, including 2-of-16 from deep and 6-of-13 at the line. The offense looked stuck in neutral, but the defense was ruthless. Nicholls shot a jaw-dropping 12% before halftime and didn’t reach double digits until late in the period. Even with the offensive struggles, Kentucky carried a 28–15 lead into the break.
But second halves are where great teams show who they are — and Kentucky showed greatness.
The Wildcats roared back shooting 61% after halftime, opening the half on an 8-of-12 tear and pushing the lead past 20 within minutes. Once the floodgates opened, the Wildcats played with joy: spacing, ball movement, energy, confidence.
Four players finished in double figures:
- Collin Chandler — 15, including the crowd-shaking, building-shaking, soul-lifting one-handed dunk that will live on every highlight reel
- Otega Oweh — 13
- Jasper Johnson — 11
- Denzel Aberdeen — 10, returning from injury and stabilizing the backcourt
Chandler’s slam wasn’t just a basket — it was a spark. The crowd exploded, the energy changed, and from that moment on, Kentucky never looked back.
Defensively, Kentucky dominated, holding Nicholls to 30.2% shooting and winning the rebound battle 51–30. The Colonels’ only double-digit scorers were Jalin Rice (13) and Jalik Dunkley (10).
Kentucky did face a scare when freshman shooter Trent Noah went down with an ankle injury, though he later returned to the bench. His status will be evaluated moving forward.
It wasn’t a perfect night — but it was a proud one. A slow beginning, a strong finish, and a sweet reminder: champions are built on struggle, teamwork, and heart. If this was the first chapter of Year Two under Mark Pope, Big Blue Nation has every reason to smile.
