Kentucky
North Carolina Rebound with Gritty Win Over Kentucky
Coming off a disappointing loss against the Michigan State Spartans, it was another true test for the North Carolina Tar Heels on Tuesday night against the Kentucky Wildcats.
It was the Tar Heels’ first true road game of the season at Rupp Arena. Can No. 16 North Carolina silence the doubters with a win over No. 18 Kentucky?
North Carolina’s struggles in the second half against Michigan State carried over into the first five minutes against Kentucky. The Tar Heels went 2-of-7 to open the game, leading to a 10-4 deficit at the first media timeout.
It was a swift recovery by North Carolina, as they went on a 14-7 run in the ensuing four-minute stretch, connecting on 5-of-8 shot attempts during that span. The Tar Heels would lead 18-17 with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
Both teams went through a dry spell, but Kentucky forced two steals, which led to consecutive transition dunks by Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen. The Wildcats are eighth in the nation in fast-break points this season, and that has shown in the first 12 minutes. That quick spurt resulted in the Wildcats leading 23-20 with 7:18 remaining.
Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar were uncharacteristically inefficient, combining for 13 points while collectively shooting 5-of-19. However, the Tar Heels’ bench stepped up with 10 points from Jonathan Powell and Derek Dixon.
On the hand, Kentucky failed to make one three in the first half, missing all of its eight attempts from beyond the arc. The two bloods would be knotted at 31 at the half.
On Monday, head coach Hubert Davis emphasized controlling the boards, and that message resonated with his players. North Carolina stayed in striking distance with their dominance on the boards. The Tar Heels were down 43-42 with 14:46 remaining in the game, and without 15 offensive rebounds, North Carolina would be down by nearly double digits.
When it felt like Kentucky would pull away, the Tar Heels would string together a couple of stops with a pair of made shots. Veesaar was beginning to impose his will, scoring five straight points. Despite that, the Wildcats would still lead 53-49 with 7:39 remaining. Neither team could buy a basket for nearly four minutes.
Kentucky went over nine minutes without a made field goal, which allowed North Carolina to crawl back into the game and regain ground on the Wildcats. With 3:47 remaining in the game, the two teams were tied 56-56.
Oweh would finally end the Wildcats’ scoring drought, driving to the rim on a tough layup, taking a 59-58 lead with 2:37 left in the game. Luka Bogavac would respond with a clutch three in the corner, which was assisted by Wilson, who recognized the help defender leaving Bogavac open.
Dixon was monumental in the final minute of the game, hitting a go-ahead three-point shot with 54 seconds left. Kentucky’s guard Collin Chandler would respond with a game-tying layup on the next possession. However, Dixon would strike again with a blow-by layup, giving the Tar Heels a 66-64 lead with 12.4 seconds remaining.
Chandler would drive to the basket again, creating a good look for himself, but failed to convert the layup. Wilson would corral the rebound before being fouled with 2.8 seconds on the clock. Wilson would make one-of-two free throws, giving North Carolina a 67-64 lead. The freshman forward would then ice the game with a steal.
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Kentucky
Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 6-3-0
Midday: 9-6-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 5-7-6-0
Midday: 5-2-6-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Kentucky
Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season
On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.
In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.
John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)
In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.
Kentucky hits the road at Texas
This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.
Which game could be a trap?
We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.
Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.
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Kentucky
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July
Fourth of July festivities to celebrate in Louisville
See the Fourth of July festivities planned in Louisville for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.
Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?
Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.
Are fireworks legal in Louisville?
In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.
If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.
But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky
How to use fireworks safely
The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:
- Use fireworks outdoors.
- Obey local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
- Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
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