Minnesota State plays different style than Kentucky's first exhibition opponent

MSU-Mankato not as reliant on 3-pointers, more physical

Rockets look to establish an inside presence

MINNEAPOLIS (10/29/22) -- The Kentucky men's basketball team will face a different style of play in its second exhibition game of the preseason when it hosts Minnesota State-Mankato on Sunday at Rupp Arena.

The Mavericks are not as reliant on 3-pointers as Kentucky's first exhibition opponent, Morehead State, and they are more physical in the paint.

Minnesota State-Mankato is coming off a 20-11 season in which it finished second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

The Mavericks return three starters from that team, including 6-foot-8 forward Tyler Garaas.

Garaas averaged 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season.

He is one of the most experienced players on the Minnesota State-Mankato roster, having started 60 games in his career.

The Mavericks also have a solid backcourt, led by 6-foot-2 guard Malik Willingham.

Willingham averaged 12.5 points and 3.5 assists per game last season.

He is a good shooter and can also create for others.

Kentucky will need to be prepared for a physical game against Minnesota State-Mankato.

The Mavericks are not afraid to mix it up in the paint, and they have some size up front.

Kentucky will need to be tough on the boards and defend the paint well.

The Wildcats will also need to limit their turnovers.

Minnesota State-Mankato is a good defensive team, and they will look to force turnovers and create easy baskets.

Kentucky will need to take care of the basketball and make good decisions.

The game will be a good test for Kentucky as it prepares for the regular season.

The Wildcats will need to be ready for a physical game and they will need to limit their turnovers.

If they can do those things, they should be able to get the win.