After Darian DeVries claimed he wanted to continue Indiana basketball’s rivalry with Kentucky to continue, his team struggled to close out a win in the second half.
The Hoosiers had a seven-point lead at half but the offense went cold in a 72-60 loss in the program’s first trip to Rupp Arena in 15 years. IU (8-3) had 18 turnovers leading to 23 Kentucky points, and shot 34.1%, including 4 for 24 on 3-pointers.
It didn’t help matters that Lamar Wilkerson picked up his fourth foul with 18:14 left in the game, and IU proceeded to have seven turnovers and get outscored 17-9 until he returned. Wilkerson finished with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting, and Tucker DeVries matched him but was 1 for 9 on 3-pointers and fouled out. Tayton Conerway had 11 points on six shots, but nobody else stepped up.
It’s Kentucky’s first win over a Power Four opponent this season, and a needed one as the Cats (7-4) were ranked earlier in the year but were recently booed off their home court as fans grew frustrated with their offensive issues, which they showed in the first half. They shot 32.1% and were 1 for 9 on 3s in the first half, but turned it around to 43.3% and were 12 for 17 at the free-throw line.
Here’s a recap of the game.
Indiana basketball final score at Kentucky
The starters came out and the subs played out the final minute.
Kentucky 72, Indiana 60, FINAL
Tucker DeVries fouls out after poor shooting night vs Kentucky
A fifth foul on a loose ball rebound ends Tucker DeVries’ night. He was 1 for 9 on 3-pointers, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Kentucky 70, Indiana 58, 1:23 2H
IU basketball shooting struggles continue as Kentucky’s lead grows
The Hoosiers are shooting 33.3% in the second half and are 4 for 20 on 3-pointers for the game. Simply not good enough yet, with their 3-point shooting, the game isn’t over yet.
Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries each have 15 points. The Cats are led by Mouhamed Dioubate’s 12, but he’s one of nine players who have scored. Five Cats have at least eight points.
Kentucky 65, Indiana 58, 3:27 2H
Kentucky basketball run takes control against Indiana
It’s seven straight points for the Cats over 1:47 and an extended 17-2 run over the last 5:58. Lamar Wilkerson’s return so far has not helped that.
Kentucky 59, Indiana 51, 7:43 2H
IU basketball struggles without Lamar Wilkerson
Lamar Wilkerson checked back in with four fouls. The Hoosiers struggled without him: A 17-9 Kentucky run with seven turnovers by IU in that stretch.
IU basketball answers to snap skid vs Kentucky
Sam Alexis got a dunk to finally end the drought before the media timeout.
Kentucky 52, Indiana 51, 9:30 2H
Kentucky basketball run takes lead on IU in second half
The Wildcats have scored eight straight points as IU has four turnovers in the last 2:47. Coach Darian DeVries takes a timeout to try and settle things down.
Kentucky 50, Indiana 49, 11:31 2H
Indiana basketball score today vs Kentucky
The Hoosiers led 45-37 but the Wildcats have scored five straight. IU is 1 for 5 to start the half with that field goal at the 18:14 mark. The Hoosiers have three in double figures whereas Kentucky has nine who have scored but nobody with more than nine points.
Indiana 45, Kentucky 42, 15:00 2H
Why is Lamar Wilkerson on the bench? IU basketball guard in foul trouble
Just 2 minutes, 2 seconds into the second half, Lamar Wilkerson picked up his fourth foul.
Indiana 42, Kentucky 35, 17:58 2H
IU basketball score vs Kentucky at halftime
Lamar Wilkerson has a game-high 12 points and Tucker DeVries picked it up late to score nine. The Hoosiers shot 40.9% in the first half but were 3 for 14 from 3. Kentucky, meanwhile, has nine players who have scored and are shooting 32.1% and 1 for 9 on 3s.
Indiana 39, Kentucky 32, HALF
Tucker DeVries finally hits a 3, fist pumps
Tucker DeVries looked emotional after hitting his first 3-pointer, missing his first four, and then he got shoved on a discard fighting for a defensive rebound. He has the last five points and IU has its biggest lead.
Indiana 39, Kentucky 30, 1:16 1H
Dick Vitale says Tom Crean should not have been fired as Indiana basketball coach
Dick Vitale said Tom Crean should’ve never been fired when he was. Did so many great things after how bad program was. He then tees up the Wat Shot, Christian Watford’s game-winner against No. 1 Kentucky at Assembly Hall 14 years ago.
Indiana basketball score vs Kentucky tonight
Tucker DeVries got bumped and will go to add onto IU’s lead after the break. He is just 1 for 5 and has missed all four 3-pointers he’s taken. Lamar Wilkerson has carried the load so far with 12 points. IU is shooting 40% but is 2 for 12 on 3-pointers.
Kentucky, meanwhile, has eight players who have scored but are making 28.6% of shots and have missed all seven 3-pointers.
Indiana 26, Kentucky 25, 3:54 1H
Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley give Fernando Mendoza, Curt Cignetti, IU football love
Dave O’Brien announced Fernando Mendoza as the Heisman Trophy winner, in case IU fans hadn’t seen the bright red ticker alert. Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley expressed their love for Curt Cignetti, Fernando Mendoza and the football team.
The highlight was Barkley offering this: “I love Cignetti because he talks trash, and he backs it up.”
IU basketball score today vs U of K
The Wildcats don’t have a field goal in the last 2:35, but they have gotten to the free throw line. Seven different Cats have scored after a slow start offensively.
Indiana 20, Kentucky 19, 7:26 1H
Indiana basketball shooting slump
The Hoosiers started 4 for 6 and are 1 for 8 since to make for 35.7% for the game. They also are 1 for 11 on 3-pointers but are 7 for 7 at the free throw line.
IU basketball stats today vs Kentucky
Lamar Wilkerson has five points and Tayton Conerway four. IU is 4 for 11 but 1 for 8 on 3-pointers. It has not scored in 4 minutes, 22 seconds.
Indiana 11, Kentucky 11, 11:33 1H
IU basketball score vs U of K today
The Hoosiers went on an 8-3 start as shots weren’t falling for the Cats. But then they started to, and UK has scored six straight to tie this game at 11.
Tucker DeVries hand injury
Tucker DeVries was shown holding his left hand and pinky on the broadcast.
Sam Alexis injury update for IU basketball
The IU center returned to the bench and was standing on both feet, not looking as if there were any issues.
Sam Alexis injury update, IU basketball center hurt
Indiana basketball center Sam Alexis needed assistance off the court, favoring his left leg, and went to the tunnel.
Indiana vs Kentucky start time. When will IU basketball game vs U of K start?
So that Kansas-NC State game finally ended after a couple of replay reviews. Tip-off in Lexington starting soon.
IU basketball game against Kentucky delayed start
Kansas and NC State are still playing in overtime, thus a slight delay to the start of this one.
U of K basketball starting lineup vs Indiana
Mark Pope’s first five: Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, Collin Chandler, Trent Noah and Malachi Moreno.
IU basketball starting lineup against Kentucky
Here are the Hoosiers first five: Lamar Wilkerson, Conor Enright, Tayton Conerway, Tucker DeVries and Sam Alexis.
Who are the announces for IU basketball vs U of K today on ESPN? Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley on the call
ESPN wanted to pair a special tandem for tonight’s rivalry reunion between Kentucky and Indiana. So they paired Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley to grace our eardrums.
IU basketball injury report vs U of K today
No surprises for the Hoosiers, who remain without Josh Harris, Jason Drake and Drew Snively.
What time does Indiana basketball play Kentucky today, Dec. 13? Start time for Indiana basketball vs Kentucky tonight, Dec. 13
The Indiana-Kentucky game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 13, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
Where to watch Indiana basketball vs. Kentucky tonight, Dec. 13? What channel is the Indiana-Kentucky college basketball game tonight, Dec. 13?
TV: ESPN, which will include Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley
Watch college basketball with a free Fubo trial
How much are IU basketball tickets today? Indiana basketball tickets vs. Kentucky tonight, Dec. 13
IU basketball tickets on StubHub
Indiana basketball expert predictions vs. Kentucky tonight, Dec. 13
Zach Osterman, IndyStar: Indiana 78-71
“This one might get me in trouble. Kentucky at Kentucky should be about as hard as it gets for Indiana. And if the Wildcats weren’t in a moment of minor crisis, it would be. But coach Mark Pope’s team is struggling right now, and there is in particular a pronounced difference between Kentucky against high-major teams and everyone else. The Cats can be really tough offensively, but they’ve struggled badly at the other end of the floor against serious competition, and they probably don’t rebound well enough to hurt IU as much as they’ll need to there. Indiana in an upset.”
Where to listen to Indiana basketball vs. Kentucky tonight, Dec. 13
Indiana basketball vs. Kentucky key players, storylines tonight, Dec. 13
Indiana basketball rankings vs. Kentucky
As of Dec. 11
IU men’s basketball roster 2025-26
Indiana basketball upcoming schedule
(all times ET; with date, day of week, location and opponent, time, TV)
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball vs. Kentucky recap: Offense goes cold in Rupp return
Reporting by Aaron Ferguson, Scott Horner and Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
