Five Takeaways from Kentucky’s 85-80 Win Over Texas: A Gritty Finish, a Rising Star, and More SEC History
Kentucky fans are getting used to the drama. For the third straight game, the Wildcats found themselves in a tight battle against a high-level opponent, and once again, they found a way to come out on top. This time, it was an 85-80 win over Texas at Rupp Arena - a game that didn’t require quite the same level of second-half heroics as the LSU and Tennessee comebacks, but still kept the Big Blue Nation on edge until the final buzzer.
Here’s what stood out from Kentucky’s latest victory:
1. Kentucky’s First-Half Struggles (Kind Of) Continue - But There’s Progress
If there’s been a trend in Kentucky’s season so far, it’s been this: slow starts against quality opponents. Heading into the Texas matchup, the Wildcats had faced 11 teams from power conferences (plus Gonzaga), and in those games, they’d trailed at halftime nine times, been tied once, and led only once. Not exactly a recipe for comfort.
This time, though, Kentucky managed to avoid digging itself a hole. The first half against Texas ended in a 40-40 tie - hardly dominant, but a step up from the double-digit deficits they faced against LSU and Tennessee just last week.
The difference? A timely scoring burst from freshman guard Collin Chandler.
The rookie poured in nine straight points midway through the second half, part of a career-high 18-point night, to help Kentucky build a 70-60 lead with just over seven minutes to go. It looked like the Cats might finally cruise to a comfortable win.
But this is the 2025-26 Wildcats we’re talking about - nothing comes easy.
Texas clawed back, cutting the lead to two on a Tramon Mark jumper with under a minute left. That’s when Denzel Aberdeen stepped to the line and calmly knocked down five of six free throws to seal it.
2. Denzel Aberdeen Delivers Again - This Time with the Closer’s Role
If you’ve been watching Kentucky lately, you know the name Denzel Aberdeen. The senior guard has been the heart of the Wildcats’ recent comeback wins, pouring in 17 second-half points at LSU and following that with 18 of his 22 points after halftime at Tennessee.
Against Texas, Aberdeen didn’t need to play superhero - but he still played closer.
He finished with 19 points, a single assist, and two turnovers. More importantly, he was the guy with the ball in his hands when it mattered most. In the final minute, Aberdeen hit five of six free throws to keep Texas at bay and close out the win.
He’s not just making plays - he’s making winning plays. That’s the kind of presence you want from a senior guard in SEC play.
3. Another Injury Hits Kentucky’s Rotation - Kam Williams Goes Down
The injury bug just won’t leave Kentucky alone.
Already without point guard Jaland Lowe for the season (shoulder) and still missing big man Jayden Quaintance (knee), the Wildcats saw another key piece go down Wednesday night.
Sophomore forward Kam Williams was off to a strong start, scoring nine points and hitting two free throws early in the second half to give Kentucky a 46-40 edge. But just 29 seconds later, he went down with what appeared to be a non-contact injury and didn’t return.
The program later announced it was a foot injury, but didn’t offer any details on severity. For a team that’s already been patching together lineups, losing another rotation player - especially one who brings size and scoring - could be a tough blow.
4. Otega Oweh’s Steady Production Continues - Like Clockwork
There’s a reason Mark Pope called Otega Oweh “probably the most consistent player I’ve ever coached” after the Tennessee win. The senior guard just keeps showing up and producing.
Oweh entered the Texas game having scored in double figures in all 18 games this season, and he wasted no time making it 19. He had 10 points by halftime on 5-of-13 shooting and finished with 18 on an 8-for-20 night from the field.
Since transferring from Oklahoma, Oweh has scored at least 10 points in 52 of his 55 games in a Kentucky uniform. The only three times he didn’t? All came last season, all against teams from Alabama - two against the Crimson Tide and one against Auburn.
But this year, he’s been rock-solid. He’s not always flashy, but he’s dependable - the kind of guy every contending team needs.
5. Texas Makes Its Rupp Arena Debut as an SEC Member - And Falls Just Short
The SEC’s newest members are getting their first taste of Rupp Arena, and Kentucky is making sure they know who runs the house.
With Texas officially joining the conference this season (alongside Oklahoma), Wednesday night marked the Longhorns’ first-ever game in Lexington as an SEC opponent. The Wildcats held serve, improving the program’s record to 3-2 in Rupp Arena debuts against league newcomers.
Here’s how those first-time matchups have played out since the Rupp era began in 1976:
- 1991-92: Arkansas 105, Kentucky 88
- 1991-92: Kentucky 74, South Carolina 56
- 2012-13: Texas A&M 83, Kentucky 71
- 2012-13: Kentucky 90, Missouri 83 (OT)
- 2025-26: Kentucky 85, Texas 80
Next up? Oklahoma, who will make its SEC debut in Lexington on February 3. If history is any indicator, it’ll be another tightly contested battle.
Bottom Line
Kentucky continues to ride a wave of grit, resilience, and timely performances from its veterans and emerging young talent. The Wildcats may not always start strong, but they’re finding ways to finish - and in conference play, that’s what counts.
With Aberdeen stepping into a leadership role, Chandler flashing star potential, and Oweh providing a nightly foundation, this team is starting to form an identity. The injuries are a concern, no doubt, but if Kentucky keeps closing games like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone in the SEC.