Alex Wilkins Late Three Powers Kentucky Past Northern Arizona

Alex Wilkins hit a three-pointer with 2.2 seconds remaining on Friday at Rupp Arena, lifting No. 24 Kentucky to a 78-77 victory over Northern Arizona after the Wildcats overcame a late deficit.

Kentucky improved to 3-1 on the season after trailing by as many as five points in the second half. Wilkins finished the night with 14 points, matching the offensive output of teammates Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno, while Ousmane N’Diaye added 11 points for the Cats.

The game opened with Northern Arizona scoring the first four points before Moreno answered in the lane. The early minutes featured rapid lead changes, with N’Diaye hitting a pair of three-pointers and Zoom Diallo adding a mid-range jumper to help Kentucky establish an 11-9 advantage.

Both teams traded baskets through the first half. Momcilovic contributed a fadeaway jumper and back-to-back three-pointers, helping push the Wildcats to a 39-26 lead. Northern Arizona responded with consecutive threes, narrowing the gap before Kentucky took a 45-37 lead into halftime.

Louisville ky northern arizona university runners celebrate after completing the division i

The visiting Lumberjacks mounted a significant charge in the second half, putting together an 11-0 run capped by another three-pointer to claim a 51-48 lead. Kentucky struggled to pull away as Northern Arizona maintained pressure, eventually stretching their advantage to 77-73 with just 22 seconds remaining.

Mason Williams scored for Kentucky with 14 seconds left on the clock to cut the margin to two points. Following a missed free throw by Northern Arizona on the front end of a one-and-one, Wilkins delivered the game-winning shot from beyond the arc.

Kentucky returns to action on Monday, hosting Grambling State at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., with television coverage available on SEC Network Plus.

Earlier coverage: Alex Wilkins 3-Pointer Saves Kentucky in 78-77 Win Over Northern Arizona