Mark Pope’s Team Tested by WKU: What UK Coach Admired About Their Resilient Response

Mark Pope’s Team Tested by WKU: What UK Coach Admired About Their Resilient Response

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the No. 8-ranked Kentucky Wildcats secured an 87-68 victory over Western Kentucky at Rupp Arena, extending their perfect record to 6-0. Despite shooting struggles from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, Coach Mark Pope’s team found a way to overcome the challenge posed by the Hilltoppers, with key players stepping up to ensure a comfortable win in the end.

Kentucky struggled offensively at times, hitting just 27.6% of their three-pointers and 69% from the foul line, but their defensive effort and dominance on the boards made the difference. Pope acknowledged the physical challenge posed by WKU, a team with NCAA tournament aspirations and a veteran roster that returned eight players from last year’s squad. The Hilltoppers played with relentless pressure, which disrupted Kentucky’s fast-break opportunities and forced the Wildcats into a slower-paced game. However, the Wildcats’ depth and defensive discipline allowed them to grind out the victory.

Junior guard Otega Oweh and fifth-year forward Andrew Carr led the Wildcats with 18 points apiece. Carr, in particular, was a standout, adding 10 rebounds and three assists while maintaining zero turnovers in a physically demanding game. Pope praised Carr’s focus and physicality, noting that his performance was a result of specific, measurable goals set by the coaching staff, such as demanding the ball in key moments. Carr’s ability to handle the ball under pressure and execute in traffic was critical for Kentucky, especially as WKU applied constant defensive pressure.

The game wasn’t without its challenges for the Wildcats. They faced moments of frustration, particularly when their offense faltered, but Pope praised the team for their ability to stay composed and focus on the next play. “The guys were in it the whole time,” Pope said, acknowledging that while they didn’t play a perfect game, their resilience was key to the victory. “It’s a great lesson for us,” he added, noting how the game provided valuable experience in handling high-pressure situations, something that will serve them well as they head into the tougher part of their schedule, including SEC play.

Defensively, Kentucky was able to stifle WKU’s scoring efforts, limiting the Hilltoppers to just 32% shooting from the field and 15% from three-point range. Pope singled out guard Jaxson Robinson for his exceptional defense, alongside Oweh and Carr. The Wildcats’ defense was a big factor in keeping the Hilltoppers at bay, even when the offense struggled to find rhythm. Pope emphasized the importance of defense as a “winning formula” for the team, noting that even when shots weren’t falling, they were able to rely on their defense to create opportunities and control the game.

Offensively, the Wildcats showed growth despite the shooting issues, and Pope highlighted the learning curve his team is undergoing. The pressure WKU applied is something Kentucky will encounter more frequently this season, especially in the SEC. Pope believes that the team will continue to evolve offensively, learning to punish teams for applying pressure, once they develop better timing and execution in those situations.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats will have a few days off to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday before returning to action against Georgia State. Pope was pleased with his team’s ability to adapt and grow, noting that they’re still in the early stages of their development. As Kentucky prepares for tougher competition in the coming weeks, Pope’s emphasis on maintaining composure under pressure will be key to their success in both non-conference and SEC games. With players like Carr, Oweh, and Robinson continuing to perform at a high level, the Wildcats are poised to keep improving and meeting the challenges ahead.