UK drops conference home opener

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWSNOW) – The Kentucky basketball team had its conference home opener spoiled by Missouri, 73–68, on Wednesday night. The Cats were looking to rebound from a loss at Alabama on Saturday, but Missouri, coming off a win over Florida, went toe-to-toe with the Wildcats.

It was a tight battle throughout. The Tigers’ largest lead was seven points, which came in the first half at 19–12. Otega Oweh hit a three-pointer from beyond midcourt to close out the first half, with the Wildcats trailing 33–32. There were 11 lead changes and eight ties in the game.

Kentucky appeared ready to pull away after going on an 11–0 run midway through the second half, but the Wildcats’ offense went ice cold. For the game, UK made just 6 of 13 layups. With 4:30 remaining, Kentucky led 66–58, but Missouri responded with a 15–2 run to close out the game.

The loss drops Kentucky to 9–6 on the season and 0–2 in conference play. It was also the Wildcats’ first loss in an SEC home opener since 2013. For Missouri, the win marked the first time in program history that the Tigers have won a game in Lexington. Missouri, now 12–3, entered the game 0–9 at Rupp Arena and is 2–0 in SEC play for the first time.

Kentucky hosts Mississippi State on Saturday night, with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m.