Oscar Tshiebwe scored 23 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to help Kentucky (7-1) escape an upset bid from surprisingly tough Southern.
The Jaguars, coached by former Wildcat Sean Woods, had the Wildcats in a three possession game late in the second half.
Kentucky got some big buckets from Tshiebwe and TyTy Washington down the stretch to secure victory.
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Washington finished with 14 points and 5 assists. Sahvir Wheeler chipped in 8 points and 6 assists.
The Wildcats will head to Notre Dame over the weekend for a true road game at Notre Dame on Saturday.