(WKYT) – No. 23 Kentucky opened the 2026-27 season with an 85-57 victory over Manhattan on Tuesday night at Rupp Arena.
The Wildcats took control from the outset, building a 48-22 halftime lead and never allowing the Jaspers to threaten in Mark Pope’s third season opener as Kentucky’s head coach.
Transfer forward Milan Momcilovic starred in his Kentucky debut, scoring a game-high 24 points while knocking down six three-pointers.
Zoom Diallo added 12 points, while Alex Wilkins filled up the stat sheet with 11 points, five assists and seven steals. Malachi Moreno finished with eight points and 10 rebounds.
Kentucky shot 53 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while dominating the glass. The Wildcats outrebounded Manhattan 40-26 and finished with 20 assists as they showcased the depth and versatility that have fueled high expectations entering the season.
Novak Manojlovic led Manhattan with 11 points, while Ben Tweedy added nine. The Jaspers shot just 34 percent from the field and connected on only four three-pointers.
Kentucky led by more than 30 points for much of the second half before emptying the bench in the closing minutes to secure the 85-57 victory.
Kentucky returns to Rupp Arena Friday night to host James Madison University.