Kentucky needed one shot to avoid a stunning upset at Rupp Arena.
Alex Wilkins knocked down a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining Friday night, rescuing No. 24 Kentucky in a 78-77 win over Northern Arizona. The Wildcats had led by as many as 13 points, but the Lumberjacks kept coming and were ahead 77-75 in the final seconds before Kentucky’s late escape.
The finish turned a game that had seemed under control into a scramble. Mason Williams scored with 14 seconds left to pull Kentucky within two. Northern Arizona then missed a pair of free throws, giving the Wildcats a chance to win. Wilkins delivered, and Kentucky survived a night that could have become an early-season shocker.
Wildcat dub https://t.co/DPITMLZpGM
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 14, 2026
Northern Arizona made Kentucky sweat
Kentucky’s first half offered little warning of the finish. The Wildcats went to the break up 45-37 after building a 13-point advantage, but Northern Arizona steadily worked its way back. The Lumberjacks scored 40 after halftime, shot 50% from 3-point range and turned the game into a one-possession fight.
Chris Komin led Northern Arizona with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Lucas Toukam added 18 points, making the visitors’ late push more than a one-player effort. Northern Arizona finished with 13 made 3-pointers and 32 rebounds, while Kentucky had only 20 boards.
Kentucky’s shooting kept it afloat. The Wildcats made 56.4% of their field goals and finished with 21 assists, while limiting themselves to four turnovers. But the rebounding gap and the Lumberjacks’ second-half surge left the game hanging on the final possessions.
A narrow win, and a clear warning
The escape comes just days after Kentucky lost 89-69 to Kansas in the Champions Classic. Mark Pope’s team avoided a second straight defeat, but it will have plenty to review after nearly letting a double-digit lead disappear against a Northern Arizona team that entered 0-3.
Wilkins’ shot made the result a win. The long stretch that put Kentucky in a position to need it will be the bigger concern.
