This season is flying by as Kentucky is roughly one third of the way through the 2025-26 regular season schedule. Kentucky currently sits at 7-4 overall with two more chances to add to their win column. One of those two will be significantly harder than the other one as the Wildcats prepare to take on the St. John’s Red Storm tomorrow, coached by former Kentucky Head Coach, Rick Pitino.

During the preseason, if you had to ask Kentucky fans which non-conference matchup would they be looking forward to the most, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that this game in the 2025 CBS Sports Classic had to be up there on the list. Some of the headlines you will see in this matchup is the former captain of the 1998 championship squad (Mark Pope) coaching against his former head coach (Rick Pitino), Rick Pitino coaching against his former team of Kentucky, as well as, Bryce Hopkins playing against his former team (Hopkins was on the 2021-22 UK team).

Kentucky and St. John’s were both ranked high in the preseason polls and both teams have had their struggles early on in this season,however, Kentucky still has an opportunity to boost their resume for the NCAA Tournament with a win this weekend as St. John’s is currently ranked 22nd in the AP Poll.

As we get closer to the game, the talk of it starts to heat up. Here is what head coach Mark Pope had to say in Thursday’s pre game press conference ahead of the weekend matchup.

The key players for Kentucky to get a victory on Saturday will likely be obvious to many, but mine are listed in order of importance. Number one — Jaland Lowe. We have seen what this team looks like without a true point guard at the helm. He doesn’t have to go out and get you 12+ points a night, but he is crucial just to facilitate the offense overall. Kentucky needs him playing plenty of minutes with no foul limitations.

Number two — Mouhamed Dioubate. This is going to be another physical game and it is nice to have him back and healthy in time for it. Dioubate has proven to be the best rebounders on this year’s squad at the current moment and controlling the glass tomorrow will be crucial. This team cannot allow second chance points if they want to give themselves the best chance to win.

Lastly — Otega Oweh. The preseason National Player of the Year candidate has to put this team on his back and lead the charge. He has looked good as of late, but we need that momentum to continue. He needs to be the leader and run the show because that’s his role on this team. It’s time to step up and do it on a national stage.

Three players to keep an eye on for St. John’s would be Bryce Hopkins, Zuby Ejiofor, and Ian Jackson.

Bryce Hopkins is averaging 14 points per game in his 24 minutes a game average. Also with his height at 6’7″ and his long wingspan, he manages 4.5 rebounds a game. Kentucky will need to be extremely physical in the post to limit this as much as they can.

On Zuby Ejiofor, he is a very physical forward, measuring in at 6’9″ and 250 lbs, and averaging nearly 14 points per game. Bringing in over 7 rebounds a game, he is also their best passer with 2.8 assists per game. Don’t think you’re going to get anything easy around the rim against him either as he averages nearly 3 blocks a game on defense.

Ian Jackson is the talented guard that transferred to St. John’s from North Carolina during the offseason. A one time Kentucky target, he is also a good facilitator that can create his own shot and get to the rim absorbing any contact that’s thrown at him. Jackson is averaging over 11 points per game this season.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, St. John’s is favored in this matchup -2.5 points and I can’t exactly blame Vegas for setting this opening line where it is at. The last time Kentucky played a top-25 team on a neutral court was against Gonzaga and the Cats got absolutely ran out of the building. With that being said, I think it’s obvious that this team has been night-and-day different with key players being back from injury.

I think this is another one of those games that could be considered a toss-up. If Kentucky can come out with the energy they showed against Indiana, not afraid to get to the rim and be physical and draw some fouls, then I think this a winnable game for them. If not, and they let St. John’s get a lead and confidence early, then it could be another long day for Kentucky fans. If you made me predict now, I think Kentucky wins a close one in a defensive battle, 74-70.

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