Kentucky tops Tennessee Tech and Pelphrey 104–54
LEXINGTON – November 26, 2025 – Michael Willis
Kentucky posted its second consecutive runaway win tonight, defeating Tennessee Tech 104–54 at Rupp Arena. The matchup carried a familiar twist, as former Wildcat John Pelphrey returned to Lexington with his Golden Eagles. And despite the lopsided final score, Pelphrey’s squad kept things competitive for the first 16 minutes.
The Wildcats started slowly, allowing Tennessee Tech to jump out to an early 4–0 lead. Kentucky quickly responded, but the Eagles continued to battle and briefly led 11–10 with 14 minutes remaining in the half. Multiple lead changes followed as Kentucky struggled to solve Tech’s zone defense.
It wasn’t until an explosive 18–1 Kentucky run that the momentum finally shifted. The surge pushed the Wildcats ahead 41–26, and they carried a 43–28 lead into halftime.
Freshman Trent Noah made the most of his eight first-half minutes, leading the team with 10 points and five rebounds. He was instrumental in sparking the run that allowed Kentucky to take control.
Kentucky opened the second half scorching hot, ripping off an 8–0 burst in the first 90 seconds. The defense was equally sharp, holding Tennessee Tech to just three field goals over the first 10 minutes of the half. The Wildcats continued to pour it on, punctuating the night with a Walker Horn buzzer-beating three and a free throw from fellow walk-on Zach Tow to close out the 104–54 victory.
A game that began sluggishly turned into an offensive clinic. Kentucky crossed the 100-point mark once again, with three players — Noah, Otega Oweh, and Denzel Aberdeen — tying for a team-high 16 points.
Malachi Moreno added another impressive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. His presence continues to make a clear impact, and he has solidified himself as the team’s best option in the starting lineup.
Kentucky will need more of its dominant second-half play as it prepares for a marquee matchup against North Carolina. The Tar Heels come to Rupp Arena on Tuesday night, with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m.