Noah picked up the start for Kentucky in the Wildcats’ rousing 78-65 exhibition win over preseason No. 1 Purdue on Friday night at Rupp Arena. And the Harlan County native made a major imprint on the game for Mark Pope’s team.

Freshman Jasper Johnson scored 15 points as No. 9 Kentucky beat top-ranked Purdue 78-65 in exhibition basketball action on Friday night at Rupp Arena. Kentucky got 10 points apiece from Trent Noah and Otega Oweh. Mo Dioubate had eight points and nine rebounds for the Cats.

No. 1 Purdue lost its exhibition game 78-65 to No. 9 Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Friday night. Here are a few thoughts from the preseason contest.

The Boilermakers wanted to be challenged on the road, and to learn about areas where they need to improve. That, not the result, is in view. Here's what stood out.

The Wildcats opened their 50th season inside Rupp Arena with a bang Friday night, as No. 9 Kentucky defeated No. 1 Purdue, 78-65 in an exhibition contest.

The No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats came away with a win over No. 1 Purdue in an exhibition game Friday night.Kentucky beat the Boilermakers 78-65 at Rupp Arena.Freshman Jasper Johnson was the offensive star for Kentucky,

Kentucky, ranked ninth in the preseason polls, welcomes top-ranked Purdue to Lexington in what should be a showcase of national championship contenders. Due to a new NCAA rule, Division I teams can now play each other in open exhibition games, and UK head coach Mark Pope immediately went for a marquee opponent.

The Wildcats host No. 1 Purdue at 6 p.m. Friday at Rupp Arena, where 20,000 are expected to check in on the early returns of Mark Pope’s motion offense and next-level depth. Down the road, Louisville welcomes perennial powerhouse and No. 19-ranked Kansas to the KFC Yum! Center at 7:30.