NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Two of college basketball’s premier programs meet in a high-profile nonconference showdown Friday when the Gonzaga Bulldogs face the Kentucky Wildcats at Bridgestone Arena. The Bulldogs (7-1) arrive with the more glittering record but are looking to rebound from their first loss, a 101-61 rout at Michigan on Nov. 26. Before that, Gonzaga’s offense was dominant, winning its first seven games by an average of 30.7 points, including notable victories over Alabama and Maryland. Tyon Grant-Foster and Braden Huff, who each scored 14 points in the loss to Michigan, lead a balanced attack. Kentucky (5-3) seeks a signature win after a narrow 67-64 home loss to North Carolina on Tuesday. The Wildcats have rolled over lesser opponents but are 0-3 against major-conference competition, with losses to the Tar Heels, Michigan State and Louisville. Otega Oweh is coming off a team-high 16-point performance against UNC. This neutral-site game in Nashville serves as a critical benchmark for both teams before conference play. Gonzaga’s high-powered offense will test a Kentucky team still finding its footing against top-tier competition. The Bulldogs have won the last two meetings in the series. Following this matchup, both teams face demanding schedules. Gonzaga hosts North Florida on Sunday before a showdown with UCLA. Kentucky returns home to face North Carolina Central on Tuesday.