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 most highly anticipated exhibition of the entire offseason took place on Friday night in Rupp Arena as the Kentucky Wildcats hosted the #1 Purdue Boilermake

Since taking over the Kentucky basketball program last year, Mark Pope has never shied away from lofty expectations. The way his Wildcats played on Friday in a high-profile exhibition opener against preseason No.

All right, yes, it was only an exhibition game. But what an exhibition it was for the No. 9 ranked Kentucky basketball team.

Kentucky only shot 9 of 29 from the 3-point line, but the new players on the roster were ready for their opportunities, and that is what they did. Jasper Johnson shot 3 of 7 from the 3-point line, but for him to shoot it freely, it shows he already has confidence in himself as a freshman.

It’s hard to believe we are finally here. It’s back, well sort of. Sure it’s an exhibition game and it doesn’t count, and the game is on a weird network where most of you might not be able to watch but hey it’s still basketball right!