The Boilermakers have lost exhibition games the last two seasons. Here's why Matt Painter seeks out tough environments as No. 1 Purdue visits No. 9 Kentucky.

There have been some questions about what Purdue's starting lineup would look like this season. Matt Painter provided an answer on Thursday.

Kentucky, ranked ninth in the preseason polls, welcomes top-ranked Purdue to Lexington in what should be a showcase of national championship contenders. Due to a new NCAA rule, Division I teams can now play each other in open exhibition games, and UK head coach Mark Pope immediately went for a marquee opponent.

Kentucky’s exhibition opener against No. 1 Purdue doesn’t count, but that doesn’t mean the Wildcats are taking the encounter lightly.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/kentucky as Three keys to victory for the #9 Kentucky Wildcats against #1 Purdue .

Purdue basketball plans to start Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and CJ Cox at guard and Trey Kaufman-Renn and Oscar Cluff at forward when the preseason-No. 1 Boilermakers take on No.

How Mark Pope’s No. 9 Wildcats and Matt Painter’s No. 1 Boilermakers match up at each position for Friday’s exhibition game at Rupp Arena.

The best way to prepare for the beginning of the college basketball season is to play an exhibition game, and the Kentucky Wildcats will do just that on Friday.