The Kentucky Wildcats made their much-anticipated 2020-21 debut on Wednesday night, hosting Morehead State as part of a multi-team event in Lexington.

The Wildcats were without Keion Brooks, the lone returning scholarship player who saw any action for last year’s squad. That left a lot of pressure on newcomers, including the nation’s No. 1 freshman class and transfers Olivier Sarr, Davion Mintz and Jacob Toppin.

The freshmen — Brandon “BJ” Boston Jr., Terrence Clarke, Devin Askew, Isaiah Jackson, Cam’Ron Fletcher and Lance Ware — lived up to expectations, and then some, as the Wildcats cruised to an easy 81-45 victory (Kentucky’s over/under for the game was 81.5 points. Brutal).

Boston led all scorers with 15 points. Askew and Clarke had 12 points apiece and Mintz finished with 10. Jackson contributed with 9 points.

Kentucky out-rebounded Morehead State 37-24 and held an impressive 18-2 advantage in terms of assists. That goes to show how good the Wildcats’ defense was on Wednesday night.

As athletic and big as this year’s Kentucky team is, the offense is still a work in progress. Askew was solid running the point, but 4 turnovers were too many. He’ll have to be better with the ball moving forward, but he showed a capability to make plays.

For now, the defense will carry the team. Next up for the Wildcats is a Sunday showdown against a tough Richmond squad.