Alex Wilkins hit a three-pointer with 2.1 seconds remaining to give Kentucky a 78-77 victory over Northern Arizona at Rupp Arena.
The Wildcats erased an uneven performance that saw them out-rebounded 32-20 and trail by four points in the final minute.
Northern Arizona dropped to 0-3 on the season but controlled large stretches of the contest behind strong perimeter shooting. Chris Komin paced the Lumberjacks with 16 points in the first half, finishing as part of a visiting attack that connected on 13 three-pointers.
Kentucky struggled to find an offensive rhythm after halftime, enduring a five-minute scoring drought that allowed Northern Arizona to build an 11-0 run.
Fans in Rupp Arena voiced their frustration with boos as the Wildcats fell behind 58-54 with 10:50 left on the clock.
Ousmane N’Diaye led Kentucky with 11 points in the first half, while Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno added baskets late in the game. Moreno finished with eight points inside, helping the Wildcats stay within striking distance as Northern Arizona continued to answer every Kentucky surge.
Cade Bennett hit a three-pointer to push Northern Arizona ahead 77-73 with under 20 seconds remaining. Mason Williams responded with a long two-pointer to cut the deficit to 77-75 with 13.9 seconds left. Max Marjele missed a free throw for the Lumberjacks on the ensuing possession, but Moreno lost the ball on the rebound attempt with 9.9 seconds on the clock.
Chris Komin then missed another free throw for Northern Arizona, setting up the final sequence for the Wildcats. Kentucky survived despite attempting only six free throws and surrendering 8-1 on the offensive glass. The Wildcats now turn their attention to their next matchup against Grambling State following the turbulent home victory.