KSR Today: Kentucky is 1-0 After Strong Second Half vs. Nicholls

Kentucky opened its 50th season at Rupp Arena on Tuesday night, and it did not start with a bang, unless you’re referring to the sound of the ball bouncing off the rims.

For the first 20 minutes of the season, Mark Pope’s squad was 10-31 from the field, including 14 misses from three-point land. Meanwhile, Nicholls shot just 12% from the field. It was an ugly first half that turned into an entertaining rout in the second half, thanks to a couple of backcourt players.

It took a dozen minutes to score 13 points in the first half. They did it by the fourth minute of the second half. An 11-0 run helped Kentucky build up a 28-point lead before they cruised to a 77-51 win.

After missing the Georgetown game, Denzel Aberdeen had 10 points, six assists, five rebounds, and a plus-minus of +20. The Florida transfer was impressive, but it was Collin Chandler who stole the show. He knocked down 4-7 three-pointers and provided the highlight of the night, a jaw-dropping poster at the rim.

OH MY COLLIN CHANDLER pic.twitter.com/sSbSjLHl58

— KSR (@KSRonX) November 5, 2025

Another Kentucky Injury (but this one’s gonna be okay)

Injury updates have defined this season before it began. We’ve been on Jayden Quaintance watch since he announced he was transferring to Kentucky after undergoing knee surgery. Then Otega Oweh was spotted in a boot over the summer. Then we saw Jaland Lowe injure his shoulder in the Blue-White Game. The anxiety was amplified by Aberdeen’s exhibition absence.

For a moment, things went from bad to worse. Trent Noah rolled his ankle in the first half, and it looked like nothing could go Kentucky’s way. Fortunately, the Mountain Mamba should be fine. He was ready to play in the second half, but Pope told Tom Leach that he wasn’t going to chance it.

“There was zero chance I was putting him back in this game. We need him to get healthy and feel better,” Pope said on the UK Sports Network.

As for Lowe, Pope believes the Kentucky point guard should return soon, as soon as Friday. ” I’m not guaranteeing. It’s gonna depend on the next couple of days of practice.”

Dennis Johnson’s View of the Game

Jasper Johnson has confidence every time he takes the court. His Dad, Dennis, doesn’t like to be near it. He told KSR over the summer that he wanted a seat high up in the bleachers during games to give his emotions plenty of room to breathe. He wasn’t kidding. The former Kentucky pass rusher was in the top row of the end zone when his son scored 11 points in his debut.

This is where @BruhJasperJ dad, Dennis, is sitting to watch his son play in his 1st game at Rupp. I totally understand!@dmann55 pic.twitter.com/Z56mQtABWZ

— Ryan Lemond (@ryanlemond) November 5, 2025

More from the Kentucky Win over Nicholls

It wasn’t the prettiest win, but it was a start. Kentucky gets another crack at it on Friday against Valpo before traveling to Louisville for next Tuesday’s rivalry game with the Cards. Until then, we gave BBN plenty to chew on.

Chandler’s teammates are used to seeing dunks like this in practice
8 Takeaways from the Season-Opening Win
Aberdeen details past groin injury
Kentucky nearly broke a defensive record
Don’t sleep on Chandler’s defense
Highlights from Kentucky’s Win over Nicholls
Mark Pope’s Postgame Presser
Recapping the Season Opening Win
Players Discuss the W

Want more Kentucky basketball intel? Join KSR Plus for access to bonus content and KSBoard, KSR’s message board, to chat with fellow Cats fans and get exclusive scoop.

UPS Plane Crash Covers Louisville in Black Smoke

For folks in Louisville, the Kentucky basketball game took a backseat when a UPS plane crashed just after take-off at approximately 5:15 PM. All three passengers died, and four more fatalities were confirmed before the night’s end. Sixteen people are still unaccounted for as the search and rescue mission continues.

For hours, the black smoke from the crash completely covered the city. Roads were closed as first responders flooded the scene. The UPS Worldport, the airport, and Louisville’s Ford Assembly Plant were among the many shutdowns. Jefferson County Public Schools are not in session today, after much of the city was instructed to remain indoors and to turn off HVAC units to avoid inhaling toxic smoke from the accident.

It’s the most shocking news story in Kentucky’s largest city since Muhammad Ali died in 2016. Thanks to all who responded promptly to the scene and prayers to those who suffered from the fatal accident. Mark Pope opened his postgame press conference by sharing his sympathies for all of the victims.

“It just is awful,” said the Kentucky basketball coach. “Certainly, all prayers go out to everybody involved in that.  Just hopefully we can have the best news possible and best resolution for that and just know that BBN is just fully engaged with that and best wishes for everybody there.”

YouTubeTV and ESPN are Still Fighting

You may not be able to catch all of the action from the Worldwide Leader at home, but you can watch it at KSBar and Grille. We are celebrating Wings Day with $1 wings, boneless or traditional, when you dine in and watch what’s happening around the Wide World of Sports.

MACtion
Kent State (+1.5) at Ball State, 7:00, ESPNU
Northern Illinois (+14.5) at Toledo, 7:00, ESPN2

College Basketball
Milligan at Middle Tennessee, 11:30 AM, ESPN+
Rider at Rutgers, 6:00, BTN
South Dakota at No. 23 Creighton, 8:00, Peacock
Alabama A&M at Indiana, 8:00, BTN
North Alabama at Mississippi State, 9:00, SECN

NBA
T-Wolves at Knicks, 7:30, ESPN
Spurs at Lakers, 10:00, ESPN

Get Ready for Kentucky vs. Florida

If you listened to last week’s edition of 11 Personnel, you heard Adam Luckett accurately predict a Kentucky victory over Auburn. Now, he’s dropping Coaching Carousel tidbits on KSBoard. Will he be willing to shoot his shot before Kentucky hosts Florida?

We’ll be chatting on the KSR YouTube Channel after the SEC Availability Report drops at approximately 8:15 PM ET. This evening, we’ll also hear from Brad White’s defense, and Mark Stoops may enlighten us during the SEC Coaches Teleconference. Until then, enjoy Van Hiles’ first KSR Football Podcast after a Wildcat SEC win.

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