Kentucky Wildcats Dominate Manhattan Jaspers in Season Opener
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Rupp Arena
Kentucky Wildcats 85, Manhattan Jaspers 57, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Manhattan Jaspers vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Kentucky Wildcats beat Manhattan Jaspers 85-57 at Rupp Arena on November 3, 2026.
The Kentucky Wildcats opened their season with a commanding victory over the Manhattan Jaspers, finishing the game with a score of 85 to 57 at Rupp Arena. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the beginning of the Wildcats' campaign, showcasing their potential in front of a home crowd.
Kentucky entered the game with a home record of 1-0, while Manhattan was looking to bounce back from an away loss, giving them an overall record of 0-1. The Wildcats have had a mixed recent form, with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, though they were coming off a loss in their most recent outing. They averaged 78.8 points scored and allowed 79.8 points during this stretch. In contrast, the Jaspers also had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games but were on a four-game losing streak, averaging 72.0 points scored and allowing 74.3 points.
At home, Kentucky has performed decently with a record of 2-2 in their last four home games. Manhattan's away record stood at 2-3, indicating they have struggled to find success on the road. The Wildcats' recent performance at home included a mix of wins and losses, while the Jaspers have faced challenges away from their home court.
In terms of previous meetings, this game was significant as it was a chance for both teams to establish their early-season identity. However, no prior matchups between these two programs were mentioned in the block, leaving this contest as a fresh encounter.
Injuries were not highlighted in the provided facts, suggesting that both teams may have fielded their full rosters for this opening game. This factor can often play a crucial role in determining the outcome of early-season matchups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, set the spread at -33.5 in favor of Kentucky, with a total of 158.5 points for the game. The odds for the over were -105.0, while the under was priced at -115.0. This significant spread indicated a strong expectation for Kentucky to dominate the game.
The conditions at Rupp Arena were conducive to a high-energy game, typical of early-season college basketball. Fans were likely excited to see how the Wildcats would perform, especially given their recent form and the expectations surrounding the program.
During the game, viewers witnessed several noteworthy scoring plays, particularly in the second half. Milan Momcilovic made a notable 28-foot three-point jumper, followed by Asier Miguel and Dusan Eric, who also contributed with impressive long-range shots. Kentucky's scoring was further bolstered by Braydon Hawthorne and Kevin Kearney, who made key jump shots to extend the lead. The Jaspers managed to score points through free throws and three-pointers, but they were unable to keep pace with the Wildcats.
Overall, the matchup served as a strong statement for Kentucky as they look to build momentum in the early part of the season, while Manhattan will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they continue their campaign.
What we said beforehand
The Kentucky Wildcats will face the Manhattan Jaspers in their season opener at Rupp Arena on November 4, 2026. Both teams enter the matchup with a record of 0-0, setting the stage for an exciting start to the new season. The Wildcats are heavily favored, with DraftKings setting the spread at UK -33.5 and the total at 158.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game.
Kentucky's recent form shows a mixed bag of results, with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Florida Gators 71-63 in their most recent outing on March 13, 2026. Throughout this stretch, the Wildcats averaged 78.8 points scored per game while allowing 79.8 points, highlighting a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Their home record stands at 2-2, while they have a 2-4 record when playing away.
The Wildcats' last five games include wins against the LSU Tigers (87-82), Missouri Tigers (78-72), and Santa Clara Broncos (89-84 in overtime), along with losses to the Florida Gators (71-63) and Iowa State Cyclones (82-63). These results reflect their capability to score, but also their vulnerability on defense.
On the other hand, the Manhattan Jaspers also bring a record of 4-6 from their last ten games, but they are currently on a four-game losing streak. Their last victory came against the Canisius Golden Griffins on February 15, 2026, where they won 69-65. Since then, they have faced a series of defeats, including a 71-60 loss to the Fairfield Stags in their most recent game on March 6, 2026. The Jaspers averaged 72.0 points scored and allowed 74.3 points during this stretch, indicating their struggles both offensively and defensively.
Manhattan's last five games include losses to the Iona Gaels (69-65), Saint Peter's Peacocks (75-65), Marist Red Foxes (84-70), and the aforementioned loss to Fairfield. Their away record is 2-3, which suggests they have had some success on the road, but the recent form indicates they will need to find a way to turn things around against a formidable opponent like Kentucky.
Historically, the Wildcats have been dominant in their previous meetings with teams like Manhattan, but specific past matchups between these two teams are not detailed in the provided facts. This season opener presents a fresh opportunity for both teams to establish their identity early in the season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide any specific details regarding player availability, which could play a significant role in the outcome of the game. Fans will be eager to see how both teams come out of the gate, especially the Wildcats, who are expected to perform well at home.
The conditions at Rupp Arena are typically favorable for Kentucky, as they enjoy strong support from their home crowd. The atmosphere is likely to be electric, which could provide an additional boost for the Wildcats as they seek to start their season on a high note.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for Kentucky's offensive strategy and how they handle Manhattan's defensive setups. The Wildcats' ability to score efficiently and their defensive adjustments will be key factors in determining the game's flow. For Manhattan, finding ways to counter Kentucky's size and athleticism will be crucial if they hope to compete effectively.
Overall, this matchup promises to be an intriguing opener for both teams, with Kentucky looking to assert their dominance and Manhattan aiming to pull off an upset.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UK -33.5 | 158.5 o -105 / u -115 | Manhattan Jaspers — · Kentucky Wildcats — |
Leaders
- PointsMilan Momcilovic24Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsAlex Wilkins5Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsMalachi Moreno10Kentucky Wildcats
- PointsKevin Kearney11Manhattan Jaspers
- AssistsBen Tweedy3Manhattan Jaspers
- ReboundsOgnjen Stankovic6Manhattan Jaspers
Recent form
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 4-6Streak L178.8 scored · 79.8 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L63-71at Florida GatorsMar 13
- W78-72at Missouri TigersMar 12
- W87-82vs LSU TigersMar 11
- L77-84vs Florida GatorsMar 7
- L85-96at Texas A&M AggiesMar 4
- W91-77vs Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 28
- W72-63at South Carolina GamecocksFeb 25
- L74-75at Auburn TigersFeb 22
- L78-86vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 18
- L83-92at Florida GatorsFeb 14
Manhattan Jaspers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L472 scored · 74.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- L60-71at Fairfield StagsMar 6
- L65-69vs Iona GaelsMar 1
- L65-75at Saint Peter's PeacocksFeb 28
- L70-84vs Marist Red FoxesFeb 21
- W69-65at Canisius Golden GriffinsFeb 15
- W76-69at Niagara Purple EaglesFeb 13
- W80-68vs Sacred Heart PioneersFeb 7
- L75-80vs Saint Peter's PeacocksFeb 6
- L65-72at Mount St. Mary's MountaineersFeb 1
- W95-90vs Rider BroncsJan 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iona | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Sacred Heart | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Fairfield | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Canisius | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Manhattan | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Marist | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Merrimack | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Mount St. Mary's | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Niagara | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Quinnipiac | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Rider | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Saint Peter's | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Siena | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Florida | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Georgia | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Kentucky | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Ole Miss | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Mississippi State | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| South Carolina | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Tennessee | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Texas | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Vanderbilt | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Alabama | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Arkansas | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Auburn | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| LSU | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Missouri | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Texas A&M | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Oklahoma | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | Manhattan Jaspers | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-54 | 32-60 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 7-26 | 12-31 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 39 |
| Free throws | 12-23 | 9-11 |
| Free throw % | 52 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 14 | 26 |
| Assists | 7 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 30 |
| Fouls | 12 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 39 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 14 | 79 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half20-46Milan Momcilovic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mason Williams assists)
- 1st Half22-46Novak Manojlovic makes layup
- 1st Half22-48Ousmane N'Diaye makes 2-foot dunk (Alex Wilkins assists)
- 2nd Half22-51Milan Momcilovic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alex Wilkins assists)
- 2nd Half22-53Zoom Diallo makes layup (Alex Wilkins assists)
- 2nd Half24-53Novak Manojlovic makes layup (Ben Tweedy assists)
- 2nd Half24-54Milan Momcilovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half24-55Milan Momcilovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half24-57Zoom Diallo makes driving layup (Milan Momcilovic assists)
- 2nd Half26-57Novak Manojlovic makes layup
- 2nd Half29-57Ben Pearce makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ben Tweedy assists)
- 2nd Half29-59Zoom Diallo makes layup
- 2nd Half29-61Malachi Moreno makes 1-foot dunk (Alex Wilkins assists)
- 2nd Half31-61Kevin Kearney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half31-64Alex Wilkins makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braydon Hawthorne assists)
- 2nd Half31-65Malachi Moreno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half33-65Liam McChesney makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half33-67Milan Momcilovic makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half34-67Kevin Kearney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half35-67Kevin Kearney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-67Ben Tweedy makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half38-69Mason Williams makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-69Kevin Kearney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-71Franck Kepnang makes layup (Justin McBride assists)
- 2nd Half39-73Braydon Hawthorne makes layup (Mason Williams assists)
- 2nd Half39-75Franck Kepnang makes 2-foot dunk (Mason Williams assists)
- 2nd Half40-75Ben Pearce makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-77Braydon Hawthorne makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half42-77Isaac Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half42-80Milan Momcilovic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braydon Hawthorne assists)
- 2nd Half43-80Kevin Kearney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-80Kevin Kearney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-83Milan Momcilovic makes 28-foot three point jumper (Mason Williams assists)
- 2nd Half47-83Asier Miguel makes 26-foot three point jumper (Anthony Pacciarelli assists)
- 2nd Half50-83Dusan Eric makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Pacciarelli assists)
- 2nd Half50-85Braydon Hawthorne makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half52-85Kevin Kearney makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half55-85Dusan Eric makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-85DaSean Lewis makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half57-85DaSean Lewis makes free throw 3 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours Manhattan Jaspers.
Venue
- Rupp ArenaLexington, KY
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