LEXINGTON, Ky. (WYMT) – The Kentucky Wildcats dominated Kentucky Wesleyan in the team’s first exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

The Cats did so with a strong defensive performance and a barrage of triples, shooting 50% as a team from beyond the arc on 21-42 shooting.

In a little more than nine minutes on the court, Harlan County native Trent Noah quicky contributed to those numbers.

The Cats shot 59.1% from three-point land in the second half, which Noah checked into for his first appearance as a Wildcat in Rupp Arena around the 10:00 minute mark.

The former Harlan County Black Bear poured in 12 points on 4-5 shooting beyond the arc — including three back-to-back-to-back — along with two assists and a single rebound.

“Once the first one goes in, the next one opens up a little bit,” Noah said. “It‘s just a testament to my teammates for finding me, making the right plays, and making the extra pass. It’s fun to play like that. We just always want to make plays for others, let everybody eat, and that is an awesome brand of basketball.”

Following the exhibition win, UK men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope praised Noah for his microwave-scoring ability.

“Yeah, Trent is not shy,” Pope said. “It is really great to have him on the floor and our guys love him.”

Kentucky returns to action inside Rupp Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 29 against Minnesota State Mankato at 7:00 p.m.

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