The Big Blue Nation is already excited to watch the Kentucky Wildcats‘ second exhibition game this Tuesday night when they welcome Division II powerhouse Minnesota State to Rupp Arena.
After an impressive performance against Kentucky Wesleyan this past Wednesday, the Cats will now look to knock off the reigning D-II National Champions.
Led by Matt Margenthaler, Minnesota State comes into Lexington after a 35-2 campaign in the 2023-24 season. Returning a majority of their roster, the Mavericks will be looking for a repeat and for another incredible season up in Mankato. What better test than to face off against a blue-blood program like Kentucky?
For the Cats, they seem to be ahead of where many in the fanbase and the media expected them to be. With an efficient performance on both ends of the court vs. another D-II power in Kentucky Wesleyan, the question will be entering Tuesday night… can they replicate it against what should be a significantly tougher opponent?
Obviously, the talent gap in this matchup should be significant. Unlike KWC, Minnesota State has not faced a high-major DI school over the last few seasons, giving a small sample size to truly judge the Mavericks on.
However, whenever a team enters after a National Championship and an absurd record such as 35-2, they will have the respect of these players and the UK coaching staff.
Similar to the matchup with Kentucky Wesleyan, this exhibition will once again be found on the SEC Network+. With another streaming game, everyone needs to bust out the computer or fire up the smart TV to watch the Cats head into their final test before the start of the regular season.
One key thing to watch for in this one will be the health of point guard Kerr Kriisa, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Kriisa missed the Blue-White Game and the win over Kentucky Wesleyan. He’s expected to play a major role for Kentucky, so here’s to hoping he suits up this week.
Should be a fun game.
Kentucky Wildcats Basketball vs. Minnesota State Mavericks
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 29th at 7 PM ET
Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
TV Channel: N/A
Online Stream: The game is available only through online streaming on SEC Network+/ESPN+
Replay: SEC Network+/ESPN+
Radio: UK Sports Radio with Tom Leach and Jack Givens
Rosters: UK I Minnesota State
Stats: UK I Minnesota State
What will you be watching for in this game? Let us know in the comments section!
Go Cats!
