The Raiders then got hot from the outside and came all the way back to take two one-point leads over the heavily-favored Wildcats.
Finally, Kentucky (9-1) high four consecutive three-pointers, including one by Trent Noah off the bench, to take control of the game and eventually end up with a 78-67 win.
Koby Brea led the Cats with 17 points. Amari Williams and Otega Oweh chipped in 15 points each. Jaxson Robinson and Andrew Carr contributed 11 points each.
Kentucky will now turn the focus to Saturday’s rivalry game against Louisville.