Kentucky Basketball Game Tonight: Kentucky vs Kentucky Wesleyan, Line, Predictions, Odds, TV Channel & Live Stream for Basketball Game Oct. 29

Kentucky basketball tips off against someone other than itself tonight in the first of two exhibition games against Kentucky Wesleyan. 

Anyone who has played sports knows how quickly you get tired of playing against your teammates, and such is the case for the Kentucky basketball team so tonight’s exhibition against the instate D-II opponent Panthers is a welcome change.

We have nothing to really gauge the Wildcats on so far other than pure speculation and the Blue-White scrimage last week against one another.

Kentucky basketball players are excited to play some real competition

Normally exhibitions are 40 minutes that fans could care less, but I think Big Blue Nation is eager to see what kind of team John Calipari puts out on the court.

There hasn’t been a UK exhibition game since 2019 since they were canceled due to Covid-19 last year.

Kentucky freshman Bryce Hopkins discussed through the UK Athletics media release how excited about some real game matchups.

"“It’s going to be a great time. We’ve been battling against each other in practice all year long, all summer, so it’s just going to be great to be out there against someone else and compete. It’s always harder playing against your teammates because they know all of your moves. So, it’s just going to be good to go out there and play against new competition.”"

No doubt Calipari will tinker and toy with a variety of lineups looking for who shows up when the lights come on and who may struggle.

With the amount of tested talent, I don’t think not showing up will be a problem. This team has five returning players, four transfers, and just a trio of true freshmen eager to take the stage.

Who is Kentucky Wesleyan

Kentucky Wesleyan is always a strong and competitive Division II team from Owensboro, KY who plays in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and finished 10-6 last season.

The Panthers have eight national championship banners hanging in Owensboro Sportscenter with the last coming in 2001.

The two met last in 2004 in an exhibition game with the Wildcats winning 79-54. Before that, it was in 1938 and overall Kentucky holds a 9-2 advantage and one 21-21 tie in 1918.

Kentucky Wesleyan is paced by senior guard Wyatt Battaile, who averaged 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game last season. His running mate at guard Jamil Wilson pumped in 8.3 ppg and led the team with 67 assists and swiped 19 steals.

Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe will match up with 6-foot-11 senior center Sasha Sukhanov (6.2 ppg, 1.3 blocks per game) and one of the UK forwards will guard 6-foot-6 junior forward Ben Sisson (4.9 ppg, 5.2 rebounds per game).

Kentucky basketball vs Kentucky Wesleyan Odds and Betting

With it being an exhibition game there are no betting odds or lines to  make your pick now on WynnBET.

Kentucky vs Kentucky Wesleyan Prediction Tonight

Calipari has said this team will run, run, and run more this season. In past seasons this would be a game to start gelling but it’s an experienced team with a high basketball IQ. With the season opener less than two weeks away and against Duke, Cal doesn’t have time to wait.

Kentucky will be in full sprint mode and should have an easy time with the Panthers. Look for Big Blue to win by 35 points.

What Channel is the Kentucky Basketball Game On

The Kentucky game today will be broadcast on the SEC Network at 7 pm. EST.

Kentucky versus Kentucky Wesleyan Live Stream

Today’s Kentucky game can be streamed live on WatchESPN

Kentucky over the airwaves

For the radio enthusiasts, our stellar team of Tom Leach (play-by-play), Mike Pratt, and Dick Gabriel (sideline) normally do the show but with the Kentucky football team playing away tomorrow it will be Darren Headrick and Mike Pratt with the call on the UK Sports Network. They can be heard at 840 AM around Louisville and in the Lexington area at both 630 AM and 98.1 FM. If you are outside these areas listen online at www.UKAthletics.com.

Kentucky’s Next Game and Schedule

Kentucky’s next game will be November 5 against Miles College in the second and final exhibition tuneup before the first regular-season game on November 9. Here’s a look at their schedule for the next five games.

November 9  Duke in the Champions Classic in Madison Square Garden

November 12  Robert Morris

November 16 Mount St. Mary’s

November 19  Ohio

November 22 Albany