Kentucky basketball fans can tune in to watch the Wildcats take on James Madison in their second game of the 2026-27 season. The matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs, with UK looking to build on their 85-57 victory over Manhattan in their season opener on November 3. While the Wildcats enter the contest with a 1-0 record, the Dukes are coming off a 0-1 start after falling to Miami (Ohio) at home on November 2.
Wildcats seek back-to-back wins as James McBride faces former Dukes program
The game features a unique narrative thread involving James McBride, a senior forward for Kentucky who spent the previous season with James Madison. Additionally, Dukes head coach Preston Spradlin is a Kentucky native who served as a graduate assistant and director of operations under John Calipari. Spradlin’s squad carries high expectations for the 2026-27 campaign, having received the most first-place votes in the Sun Belt Conference preseason poll and securing a share of the conference regular-season title in 2025.
This contest offers a significant test for Mark Pope’s roster as they aim to secure a second consecutive win. The historical first meeting provides a clean slate for both teams, but the personal connections between the players and coaching staff add a layer of intrigue to the matchup. Fans should verify local broadcast listings for specific channel numbers, as national coverage details may vary by region, ensuring they do not miss the action in Lexington.
Source: Yahoo Sports
