Kentucky built a double-digit lead 13 minutes into the opening half and the No. 4 Wildcats went on to top Howard University, 95-63, to tip off the regular season at Rupp Arena on Monday night.
The Wildcats are now 14-0 in home openers under Coach John Calipari. Kentucky has won 20 straight home games dating back to 2020-21 season.
Antonio Reeves led Kentucky in scoring with 22 points. C.J. Fredrick followed with 20 while Jacob Toppin had a double-double with 15 points and 11 boards.
Cason Wallace was outstanding as he nearly finished with a triple double. He netted 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out nine assists.
Leading 49-26 at the break, the Wildcats used a 12-0 run early in the second half to run out to a 63-30 lead.
Kentucky (1-0), who played before 18,750 fans, will return to action on Friday night at home against Duquesne (0-0). Game time is 7 pm.
At Lexington
SCORE BY HALVES:
HU (0-1)….26 37 – 63
UK (1-0)….49 46 – 95
Scoring:
Howard University (63) – Steve Settle 1(1) 3-3 8; Kobe Dickson 8 1-1 17; Jordan Wood 0(1) 0-0 3; Elijah Hawkins 1(3) 3-4 14; Jelani Williams 3 0-1 6; Shy Odom 1(1) 1-2 6; Bryce Harris 1 0-0 2; Reece Brown 1 0-0 2; and Freedom Rhames 0(1) 2-2 5. Totals: 16(7) 10-13 63.
Kentucky (95) – Jacob Toppin 4(1) 4-7 15; Chris Livingston 3(1) 0-0 9; Lance Ware 1 2-6 4; C.J. Fredrick 4(2) 6-7 20; Cason Wallace 6(1) 0-0 15; Antonio Reeves 2(6) 0-1 22; Ugonna Onyenso 3 0-1 6; and Adou Thiero 0 4-6 4. Totals: 23(11) 16-28 95.
Next up: Kentucky (1-0) vs. Duquesne (0-0), 7 pm, Nov. 11.