Kentucky Dominates North Carolina Central in Convincing Win
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Rupp Arena
Kentucky Wildcats 103, North Carolina Central Eagles 67, 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 North Carolina Central Eagles vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Kentucky Wildcats beat North Carolina Central Eagles 103-67 at Rupp Arena on December 9, 2025.
The Kentucky Wildcats delivered a commanding performance against the North Carolina Central Eagles, winning decisively with a final score of 103-67. This matchup showcased the stark contrast in recent form between the two teams, with Kentucky improving its record to 7-4 while North Carolina Central fell to 3-10.
Kentucky entered the game with a record of 6-4, but their recent form had been concerning, as they were on a two-game losing streak. In their last ten games, they recorded a 5-5 record, averaging 82.2 points scored while allowing 70.2 points per game. Their last two games were particularly tough, suffering losses to Gonzaga (59-94) and North Carolina (64-67). However, their home record stood at 5-3, indicating a solid performance at Rupp Arena, where they have typically thrived.
North Carolina Central, on the other hand, struggled significantly this season, with a record of 3-9 prior to the game. Their recent form was also disappointing, as they had lost their last two games and held a 3-7 record over the last ten contests. The Eagles averaged 71.6 points scored and allowed 73.5 points per game during that stretch. Their away record was particularly troubling at 0-6, highlighting their difficulties outside of their home venue.
The Wildcats' dominance was evident from the start, as they established a commanding lead early in the game. Kentucky's scoring was led by their efficient offensive play, which was reflected in their ability to score 103 points. In the second half, they continued to build on their lead, with notable plays including a dunk by Malachi Moreno and a three-point jumper by Jasper Johnson, which helped push their score to 100 points.
In terms of injury concerns, the block did not provide specific details on any players missing from either team, but the overall performance indicated that Kentucky was in a strong position to capitalize on their home advantage.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Kentucky heavily favored with a spread of -42.5, indicating strong expectations for a significant victory. The total for the game was set at 148.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams.
The conditions at Rupp Arena were conducive to a high-scoring affair, and Kentucky took full advantage. The Wildcats' ability to score efficiently and control the pace of the game was a key factor in their success. Viewers were treated to a display of offensive prowess from Kentucky, who not only outscored their opponents but also showcased their depth and versatility on the court.
Overall, this game served as a reminder of Kentucky's potential as they look to build momentum after a challenging stretch, while North Carolina Central will need to regroup and address their ongoing struggles as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UK -42.5 | 148.5 o -110 / u -110 | North Carolina Central Eagles — · Kentucky Wildcats — |
Leaders
- PointsJasper Johnson22Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsCollin Chandler8Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsOtega Oweh7Kentucky Wildcats
- PointsKhouri Carvey15North Carolina Central Eagles
- AssistsDionte Johnson5North Carolina Central Eagles
- ReboundsGage Lattimore6North Carolina Central Eagles
Recent form
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak L282.2 scored · 70.2 allowed per game5-3 at home
- L59-94vs Gonzaga BulldogsDec 6
- L64-67vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 3
- W104-54vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 27
- W88-46vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsNov 22
- L66-83vs Michigan State SpartansNov 18
- W99-53vs Eastern Illinois PanthersNov 15
- L88-96at Louisville CardinalsNov 12
- W107-59vs Valparaiso BeaconsNov 8
- W77-51vs Nicholls ColonelsNov 5
- L70-99at Alabama Crimson TideMar 15
North Carolina Central Eagles
Last 10: 3-7Streak L271.6 scored · 73.5 allowed per game0-6 away
- L54-69vs North Carolina A&T AggiesDec 6
- L62-67at James Madison DukesDec 4
- W109-61vs Carolina University BruinsNov 29
- L67-82at South Carolina Upstate SpartansNov 26
- L55-74at Dayton FlyersNov 22
- W123-67vs Toccoa Falls EaglesNov 19
- L53-97at North Carolina Tar HeelsNov 15
- W77-61vs Bluefield State Big BlueNov 13
- L54-76at App State MountaineersNov 9
- L62-81at Virginia CavaliersNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard | 24-11 | - | 11-3 |
| Morgan State | 14-16 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Norfolk State | 15-17 | 3 | 8-6 |
| North Carolina Central | 14-18 | 3 | 8-6 |
| South Carolina State | 10-22 | 4 | 7-7 |
| Maryland Eastern Shore | 9-23 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Coppin State | 7-24 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Delaware State | 8-23 | 9 | 2-12 |
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | North Carolina Central Eagles | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-57 | 39-64 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 61 |
| Three-pointers | 6-19 | 12-29 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 41 |
| Free throws | 13-17 | 13-14 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 93 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 29 |
| Assists | 16 | 27 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 27 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 34 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 52 |
| Fouls | 12 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 39 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-60Tekao Carpenter made Jumper.
- 2nd Half37-61Collin Chandler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half37-62Collin Chandler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half39-62Ramondo Battle II made Layup. Assisted by Khouri Carvey.
- 2nd Half42-62Gage Lattimore made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Dionte Johnson.
- 2nd Half42-64Otega Oweh made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half44-64Khouri Carvey made Layup.
- 2nd Half44-67Otega Oweh made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jasper Johnson.
- 2nd Half44-68Jasper Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-69Jasper Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half44-70Jasper Johnson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-70Khouri Carvey made Jumper. Assisted by Dionte Johnson.
- 2nd Half46-72Malachi Moreno made Dunk. Assisted by Trent Noah.
- 2nd Half47-72Gage Lattimore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half48-72Gage Lattimore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half48-74Jasper Johnson made Layup.
- 2nd Half48-77Jasper Johnson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Collin Chandler.
- 2nd Half48-80Collin Chandler made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jaland Lowe.
- 2nd Half49-80Kyric Davis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-80Kyric Davis made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-82Jasper Johnson made Jumper. Assisted by Jaland Lowe.
- 2nd Half52-82Gage Lattimore made Layup. Assisted by Kyric Davis.
- 2nd Half52-84Andrija Jelavić made Layup.
- 2nd Half53-84Khouri Carvey made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half55-84Jae Slack made Layup. Assisted by Kyric Davis.
- 2nd Half56-84Gage Lattimore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-86Kam Williams made Dunk. Assisted by Otega Oweh.
- 2nd Half58-86Kelechi Okworogwo made Jumper. Assisted by Justin Edwards.
- 2nd Half60-86Justin Edwards made Layup.
- 2nd Half60-89Andrija Jelavić made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kam Williams.
- 2nd Half60-91Andrija Jelavić made Layup. Assisted by Kam Williams.
- 2nd Half60-93Otega Oweh made Dunk.
- 2nd Half60-95Malachi Moreno made Dunk. Assisted by Collin Chandler.
- 2nd Half61-95Gage Lattimore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-95Gage Lattimore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-97Jasper Johnson made Layup. Assisted by Collin Chandler.
- 2nd Half64-97Jae Slack made Layup.
- 2nd Half64-100Jasper Johnson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Walker Horn.
- 2nd Half64-103Zach Tow made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kam Williams.
- 2nd Half67-103Khalil Arnold made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Justin Edwards.
Win probability
Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours North Carolina Central Eagles.
Venue
- Rupp ArenaLexington, KY
- Attendance19247
- OfficialsWil Howard, Todd Austin, Lucas Santos
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond