BELLARMINE VISITS NO. 9 KENTUCKY IN NON-CONFERENCE FINALE

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Bellarmine Knights face their toughest test of the non-conference slate Tuesday afternoon, traveling to historic Rupp Arena to take on the ninth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats.

Bellarmine (5-6) enters on the heels of a 79-64 home win over Chattanooga last Wednesday. The Knights have shown offensive sparks but consistency has been elusive, alternating wins and losses over their past five games. Their schedule has been challenging, with double-digit road losses at Georgia, Kansas State and Murray State.

The Knights will lean heavily on forward Jack Karasinski, who has scored 20 or more points in four straight games. He is averaging 22.5 points per game during that stretch, including a 28-point effort at Houston Christian on Nov. 25. Guard Brian Waddell, who had 15 points against Chattanooga, provides a secondary scoring option.

Kentucky (8-4) looks to build momentum heading into Southeastern Conference play after a 78-66 victory over Saint John’s last Saturday. The Wildcats have won three straight since back-to-back losses to then-North Carolina and then-Gonzaga in early December.

Kentucky’s offense is powered by guard Otega Oweh, who is averaging 16.6 points per game. He scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds in the win over Saint John’s. The Wildcats boast a significant size advantage, with a frontcourt featuring Malachi Moreno and Jayden Quaintance, who combined for 18 points and 17 rebounds last outing.

This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs. For Bellarmine, a member of the ASUN Conference, it is another opportunity against a high-major opponent after earlier losses to Georgia, Kansas State and Notre Dame. Kentucky concludes its non-conference schedule before opening SEC play at Alabama on Jan. 3.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Tuesday at Rupp Arena. The game will be televised on the SEC Network.