# Kentucky needs buzzer-beating three to survive Northern Arizona’s upset bid at Rupp Arena

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/kentucky-needs-buzzer-beating-three-to-survive-northern-arizonas-upset-bid-at-rupp-arena/
- Published: 2026-11-14T03:25:11+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T04:25:04+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/kentucky-needs-buzzer-beating-three-survive-northern-arizona-upset-bid-rupp-arena
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Alex Wilkins’ buzzer-beater gave Kentucky a 78-77 win.
- Northern Arizona led by four with 22 seconds remaining.
- Kentucky’s defence remains a concern despite its costly roster.

## Summary

Kentucky survived a major upset bid, beating winless Northern Arizona 78-77 at Rupp Arena on Friday after Alex Wilkins hit a three-pointer at the buzzer. The narrow escape raised questions about whether the Wildcats can defend well enough to match their high-priced roster’s expectations.

Northern Arizona led 77-73 with 22 seconds left and had two chances to extend its lead at the free-throw line, but Max Majerle and Chris Komin each missed the front end of a one-and-one. Kentucky was favoured by 30.5 points; the team entered the game with an estimated roster spend of more than $20 million, while Northern Arizona had lost its first three games by an average of 24 points. The Lumberjacks made 13 of 26 three-point attempts, and Kentucky next faces Grambling State before playing Indiana.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.