Good morning, BBN.
Last night in Kentucky’s matchup with Kansas, the Wildcats opened with some life, but it didn’t last long. Zoom Dialo got the Cats rolling early, and Kentucky jumped out to a 10-5 lead before the Jayhawks settled in. Kansas took control at the 12-minute mark, moving in front 17-14, and from there the game belonged to the Jayhawks.
A big reason for that was Tyran Stokes. The Kentucky native and former Kentucky recruit put together a strong night for Kansas, finishing with 21 points on 8-for-19 shooting, including 4-for-8 from 3-point range, along with 8 rebounds. Given everything that happened around Stokes this offseason, that was a tough outcome for Pope and the Wildcats.
Kentucky’s one bright spot was Diallo, who was excellent. He scored 24 points and did it efficiently, going 10-for-13 from the field.
Outside of him, there wasn’t much to point to for the Cats. Moreno’s early foul trouble took him out of the game, and Milan Momcilovic was completely wiped out of the plan.
Win out, and you’re in!
Headlines
Embarrassing effort.
Ty Bryant Honored with New York Athletic Club Endowed Scholar-Athlete Award - UK Athletics
Awesome to see!
Kentucky and North Carolina battling for 5-star recruit CJ Rosser - A Sea of Blue
Another recruiting battle with North Carolina is heating up, and this one could be huge.
Duke vs. Michigan State live updates: No.
2 Blue Devils battle No. 5 Spartans in Champions Classic opener - CBS Sports
A bit of a shocker, but everyone’s happy Duke lost, right?
How Tennessee Men’s Basketball Constructed The First College Sports CBA - FOX Sports
A really interesting development for all of college sports.
76ers’ Brown gives Tatum frosty reception early in 1st post-trade matchup - ESPN
Love this headline, and love the beef.
2026 NFL trade deadline tracker: Latest deals, grades as Vikings reunite with Kirk Cousins - CBS Sports
Such poetic justice to see Kirk back in Minnesota.
It was quite a day across the NFL.
Raiders name Fernando Mendoza starting QB after trading Kirk Cousins - ESPN
Excited for the Mendoza era.
In Other News...
Kentucky Finally Got Clarity On Two Injuries That Could Shape The Stretch
Kentucky finally has a clearer picture on two defensive injuries that have lingered since the South Carolina game in early October. Nickel cornerback Jaden Smith tore his ACL in that matchup and will miss the rest of the season, a tough blow for a defense that has had to adjust without one of its key pieces in the secondary.
There is at least a sliver of better news on linebacker Antwan Smith, who underwent ankle surgery after the same game and could still have a path back for postseason play. With both players sidelined for weeks already, the latest update gives Kentucky a better sense of what it can and cannot count on as the season moves into its final stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Kentuckys Biggest Problem Showed Up Again In Ugly Kansas Loss
Kentucky came out with energy in Chicago and looked ready to make a statement in the Champions Classic, but the game quickly turned once Kansas started applying pressure. The Wildcats were undone by the same issues that have lingered around them, with turnovers feeding the Jayhawks run game and defensive breakdowns making it hard to recover after the opening stretch.
Zoom Diallo did his part with 24 points, and Malachi Morenos foul trouble only added to Kentuckys problems as the frontcourt rotation thinned out. Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes led the way with 21 points and nine rebounds in the 89-69 loss, leaving Kentucky with another reminder that its margin for error shrinks fast when the ball security and physical defense are not there. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Still Has One Thing That Could Wreck Kentuckys Plans
Kentuckys playoff path took a hit in Week 10 with a six-point showing against Tennessee, and now the Wildcats head into a crucial home game against Florida with little margin for error. Kenny Minchey has given Kentucky a steady hand at quarterback this season, throwing 14 touchdowns against two interceptions, and the Wildcats will need that kind of efficiency again if they want to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Florida has its own issues on defense, but the Gators still bring one wrinkle that could make this matchup tricky for Kentucky. They have not named a starting quarterback for the game, leaving some uncertainty about what the Wildcats will see on the other side, and with both defenses showing vulnerabilities, this one has the feel of a game where one mistake could swing the whole thing. [Read more 🡒]