Kentucky basketball: Wildcats to play Miami in ACC/SEC Challenge

Kentucky basketball will host the Miami Hurricanes in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Tuesday, Nov. 28. It adds to an already impressive non-conference schedule.

The game is a marquee matchup in the first year of the event. The Hurricanes made the Final Four in 2023 and should give Kentucky basketball a legitimate test in late November.

When the teams tip off at 7:30 p.m., it will be just their fifth meeting of all time. UK leads the series 3-1, but Miami took the last game, 73-67. That was played in 2008 before John Calipari became the head coach of the Wildcats. It’s also the fourth time the teams will meet at Rupp Arena.

Kentucky vs. Miami figures to be an NCAA Tournament preview

On paper, Kentucky basketball and the Hurricanes both look in line to make it to March Madness in 2024. The Wildcats have the number one recruiting class in the nation, return fifth-year guard Antonio Reeves, and welcome in talented transfer Tre Mitchell.

The Hurricanes are no slouch either. Returning from their Final Four team are double-digit scorers Nijel Pack and Norchad Omier. Jim Larranaga also brings in Matthew Cleveland from Florida State, which should help mend the losses of Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller. The Canes arguably lost some talent, but still have enough to be a major player in the ACC.

Preseason polls are still very far away, but in late June, both teams are putting forth NCAA Tournament-type rosters.

Full ACC/SEC men’s basketball challenge slate:

Kentucky women’s basketball to play Boston College

In the ACC/SEC women’s basketball challenge, UK will host the Boston College Eagles. The Wildcats struggled last season, finishing 12-19 overall and 2-14 in the SEC. However, BC could give UK a good chance for a win. The Eagles also finished with a losing record, at 16-17, winning just 5 games in the ACC.

The game is set for Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Both games will be available to watch on one of the ESPN family of networks.