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FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State University athletic department is pleased to announce that the Thorobred men’s basketball team will face the University of Kentucky in an exhibition game this season.

The game will take place November 6 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. Details such as game time, TV network and ticket information are still pending and will be released by the schools as they become available.

“This is a great opportunity for the nation to see two storied universities face off in Rupp arena in November,” said Interim Athletic Director Harry Stinson.  “We are excited for our student athletes to get the opportunity to play in one of the best collegiate basketball atmospheres and play against one of the nation’s top teams. This is a great opportunity for our university and provides access and exposure to the excellence that is on KSU’s campus.”

Regarded as one of the top men’s basketball programs in the country, Kentucky will provide both a strong challenge and a high profile opponent for the Thorobreds. The Wildcats spent the majority of last season ranked No. 1 in the Division I polls, winning their first 38 games before falling in the Final Four.

The Thorobred men’s basketball team is coming off a tough 9-18 season after going over .500 the previous two years.  Head coach Antwain Banks has 10 returners from last year’s team including three starters and the team’s leading scorer, Malcolm Smith who averaged 12.5 points per game and shot .400 from behind the arc.  The Thorobreds are set for their home opener on November 18 when they play host to Asbury College in the Exum Center at 7:30 p.m. in Frankfort, Ky.

Kentucky and Kentucky State last met in 2001, the teams’ only regular season meeting, with the Wildcats winning 118-63.  Between the two programs, they own 11 national championships with Kentucky State having three consecutive NAIA Championships from 1970-72 and the University of Kentucky having eight national championships.