LEXINGTON, Ky. — You can't win them all if you don't win the first one.
Kentucky basketball took the first step Monday evening, when the Cats defeated New Mexico State University 86-46 inside Rupp Arena. With the win, Kentucky is now 1-0 on the season.
It also marked the program's 100th home opener win, as the Cats begin their 122nd season of college basketball. Kentucky is undefeated in home openers under head coach John Calipari, who enters his 15th season with the Wildcats.
Five Cats finished with double-figure scoring, led by Rob Dillingham. The freshman had 17 points on 6-11 shooting. He hit a pair of three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and three assists.
Shifty and one, Rob Dillingham. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/pSX73eey09
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 7, 2023
DJ Wagner added 13 points of his own, while Reed Sheppard and Justin Edwards scored 12 points apiece. Antonio Reeves had 11, and Tre Mitchell finished nine points and nine rebounds.
Back door cut ➡️ SLAM, @Jedwards3_. pic.twitter.com/DjrubcSrur
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 7, 2023
As a team, Coach Cal's Cats shot 49 percent from the field, 31 percent from behind-the-arc and 68 percent from the free throw line.
This team's ability and desire to share the basketball has been one of the biggest talking points of the season so far. That selflessness was once again on display Monday night.
D.J. Wagner ➡️ @tre_mitch33 ➡️ Rob Dillingham = 👌 pic.twitter.com/M1SeBWtCAb
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 7, 2023
The Cats recorded 17 assists, with six turnovers. Mitchell led the way with five dishes to his teammates, followed by Wagner with four.
The Wildcats will return to Rupp this Friday to play Texas A&M-Commerce. The game will tips off at 7 p.m. and will be streaming on the SEC Network+
For the latest on Kentucky basketball and all of your favorite Wildcats, watch BBN Tonight weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on your official station for Big Blue Nation, LEX 18 News.
