Kentucky participated the 1946 National Invitation Tournament in Madison Square Garden, NY. This tournament consisted of just 8 teams.

Quarterfinals

Rhode Island def. Bowling Green 82-79

Muhlenberg def. Syracuse 47-41

West Virginia def. St. John’s 70-58

Kentucky def. Arizona 77-53

Semifinals

Rhodes Island def. Muhlenberg 59-49

Kentucky def. West Virginia 59-51

 Finals

Kentucky def. Rhode Island 46-45

Kentucky wins the 1946 NIT and the first ever title under Adolph Rupp