LEXINGTON, Ky. — Welcome back, basketball.

The Wildcats opened their 50th season inside Rupp Arena with a bang Friday night, as No. 9 Kentucky defeated No. 1 Purdue, 78-65 in a preseason contest. The Cats have now won 34-straight exhibitions, including all three under second-year coach, Mark Pope.

Freshman Jasper Johnson led the way for the home team with 15 points, but the story of the box score is the variety. Ten of the 11 Wildcats who checked in scored, with five of them hitting at least one 3-point basket. Trent Noah and Otega Oweh joined Johnson in double figures with ten points apiece.

While Jaland Lowe did not play due to a preseason shoulder injury, all three guards who spent time at the point Friday night - Aberdeen, Johnson and Chandler - finished with three assists apiece.

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