When Jodie Meeks torched App State and Little Rock challenged the 2012 Cats

Kentucky’s non-conference schedule for the 2026-27 season will feature App State in an early trip to Rupp Arena and a preseason exhibition against Little Rock, coached by former UK standout Travis Ford. The games are tied to Kentucky’s tradition of playing past opponents at Louisville’s Freedom Hall, and the article notes that App State and Little Rock have previously faced the Wildcats there. It recalls a standout Kentucky scoring night in 2012: Jodie Meeks scored 46 points against App State in Freedom Hall, leading Billy Gillispie’s team to a 24-point win. The piece also revisits Kentucky’s 2012 matchup with Little Rock, where Anthony Davis had 22 points and 16 rebounds, yet the Wildcats trailed early in the second half before winning 73-51. It adds that Freedom Hall hosted both historic meetings with the same programs.