Big Blue Preview: Kentucky vs. James Madison

After winning its season opener on Tuesday, No. 23 Kentucky returns to action on Friday night, hosting James Madison at Rupp Arena (7 p.m. ET, SEC Network).

Kentucky rolled past Manhattan 85-57 on Tuesday night behind 24 points from Milan Momcilovic, who hit six of nine from behind the arc in the victory. Zoom Diallo had 12 points for the Cats and Alex Wilkins had 11 points, seven steals and five assists.

The Cats made 32 of 60 (53.3 percent) from the floor, including 12 of 31 (38.7 percent) from three-point range.

Kentucky will see a familiar face on the opposing sideline on Friday. Former UK staffer Preston Spradlin is the head coach for JMU after serving as head coach at Morehead State. Following Tuesday’s win, UK head coach Mark Pope talked about his relationship with Spradlin.

“I do think Preston Spradlin is one of the great human beings in the coaching profession,” Pope said. “He’s a heck of a coach, man. He’s a big-time coach. He’s a better person. We’ve had a chance over the last few years to have some really, really long basketball-based and spiritually based conversations. I really admire him. I’m excited he’s coming to the gym. He’s a Kentucky guy, and he’s a terrific coach, and it’s going to be a great game.”

James Madison lost its season opener, falling to Miami (Ohio) 86-77. The Dukes led at halftime but saw Miami score 51 points in the second half to claim the win. Paul Jones III led JMU with 14 points.