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Tigers set to host Kentucky in massive matchup – The Auburn Plainsman

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Tigers set to host Kentucky in massive matchup – The Auburn Plainsman


After a monster performance against No.11 South Carolina on Wednesday night, the Tigers are getting prepared to face the No. 22 Kentucky Wildcats and their electrifying offense.

Its offense is ranked in the top 10 according to KenPom and is the No. 2 offense in the SEC only behind Alabama. 

“Kentucky is really good,” said Bruce Pearl. “They’re one of the best offensive teams in the country. They have five guys averaging double-digit scoring, four tough guards to cover. They’ve got four or five guys that are in mock drafts for next year and they are like third or fourth in the nation in blocked shots. They do a great job protecting the rim. We struggled against Florida’s length, and we’re going to find a way to not allow Kentucky to have the same impact on us that Florida’s length did.” 

Kentucky came into the season with the No. 1 recruiting class according to 247Sports. Three of those five guys that average double-digits, are freshmen. Antonio Reeves, a senior forward, is the team’s leading scorer with 19.4 points per game and is in the hunt for SEC player of the year. 

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“Reeves has always killed us,” said Pearl. “He’s always killed us. He’s a big, big, big, long physical guard who really shoots it. He’s improved his float game, his mid-range game. (Reed) Sheppard leads the league in steals. He is a dynamic point guard, great shooter, great playmaker has great patience and poise. You know already a Kentucky favorite. (Rob) Dillingham is a one-man scoring machine. He scores like I breathe I mean he’s just a very very dangerous microwave type of a player.”

While Kentucky’s offense has helped the team win most of its games, its defense is what has cost the Wildcats, as they’ve only allowed opposing teams to score under one point per possession in a game eight times all season. They are ranked outside the top 100 in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. 

Auburn and Kentucky have been known for each team’s depth throughout the season. Though Kentucky may have more talent according to recruiting rankings, Auburn makes up for it with its experience. The defensive effort will be key for the Tigers in slowing down some of the Wildcats top scorers as Auburn currently has one of the top five defenses in the country according to KenPom. 

The Tigers have not lost a game at home this season, as they’re current average margin of victory at home in conference play is 22.3 points. 

“You hope that obviously the home-court advantage inspires your guys, and we hope that it bothers the opponent,” Pearl said. “Kentucky actually plays better on the road, a lot of pressure in Rupp Arena to win and they’ve lost I think three games at home. And sometimes they get away from home and there’s just a lot less pressure, a lot less pressure to win. And so, as a result they’ve done really well on the road, and they’ve shot it well on the road. And they’ve got again the kind of talent that can be fearless. These are confident players.” 

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Auburn versus Kentucky, which is preceded by College Gameday, is set to tip off on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. CST with television coverage on ESPN. 


William Halliday | Sports Writer

William Halliday started with The Plainsman in fall 2022. He is a journalism major from Memphis, Tennessee.

Twitter: @wphalliday3

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.



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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season

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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.

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Jan 24, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope claps after a possession during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

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.

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Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope shakes hands with Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari prior to the game at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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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.

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Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope argues with an official during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Which game could be a trap?

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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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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July


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  • Kentucky state law permits fireworks use unless prohibited by local ordinances.
  • In Louisville and Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are illegal, but smaller items like sparklers are allowed.
  • Certain fireworks are banned in Louisville if their labels include words like “explosive,” “rocket,” or “firecracker.”
  • Safety officials advise keeping water nearby, not relighting “dud” fireworks, and never allowing children to ignite them.

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.

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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.

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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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