Tue Oct 29 22:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Kentucky Wildcats Face Tough Test in Preseason Finale Against National Champions
LEXINGTON, KY – The Kentucky Wildcats will close out their 2024-25 preseason tonight at Rupp Arena with a challenging matchup against the defending Division II national champions, Minnesota State Mankato. The Wildcats are coming off a dominant 71-point victory over Kentucky Wesleyan in their preseason opener, with all scholarship players scoring at least two points.
However, the Mavericks pose a much tougher challenge. Led by senior Kyreese Willingham, the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, Minnesota State Mankato finished last season with a 35-2 record, earning their first-ever national championship. Willingham was the hero in the title game, hitting the game-winning three-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining.
Coach Matt Margenthaler, who has guided the Mavericks for the past 23 years, has an impressive record of 488-211, including eight conference titles and 14 NCAA Tournament appearances.
The game will be a good test for the Wildcats, especially with senior guard Kerr Kriisa sidelined with a hamstring injury. This will be a chance for the new recruits to showcase their abilities against a tough opponent.
The game will be streamed live on SEC Network+ at 7pm EST. Darren Headrick and Cameron Mills will provide commentary. Fans without access to SEC Network+ can watch the game via a subscription to ESPN+. The game will also be broadcast on the UK radio network.
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