What initially appeared to be a runaway victory for the No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats turned into an unexpectedly tense contest, ultimately testing the team’s composure and adaptability. Facing a Colgate squad with a modest 2-8 record, Kentucky entered Tuesday night’s game at Rupp Arena as a 31-point favorite. The Wildcats were fresh off an emotionally charged overtime victory against Gonzaga, where they overcame an 18-point deficit, and were expected to dominate this matchup.
Kentucky’s start was everything fans could hope for. Coach Mark Pope’s team opened with an explosive 17-0 run in the first six minutes, setting the stage for what looked like an easy blowout. But Colgate, undeterred by the early deficit, clawed their way back into the game. By halftime, Kentucky’s lead had shrunk to just 38-36, and early in the second half, Colgate even managed to take a 45-42 lead, leaving the Wildcats and their supporters stunned.
Challenges at Point Guard
The absence of Kentucky’s starting point guard Lamont Butler and backup Kerr Kriisa due to injuries complicated matters. Their absence thrust Jaxson Robinson into the point guard role. While Robinson has excelled in moments this season, he struggled in this game, going 0-for-6 from beyond the arc to start and finishing with only three assists in 34 minutes.
“You could feel the difference without a true point guard,” said UK Radio Network analyst Jack Givens. “Jaxson stepped up admirably, but you need someone who can naturally push the ball and control the tempo. Hopefully, Butler will be ready for Louisville.”
Kentucky Regroups Late
Despite the disruptions, Kentucky rallied when it mattered most. Down 47-46 in the second half, Robinson found his shooting touch, draining consecutive 3-pointers that sparked a game-changing 12-0 run. Trent Noah and Otega Oweh followed suit, hitting key shots from beyond the arc to stretch the lead to 58-47. After struggling early, the Wildcats hit four straight three-pointers to regain control—a momentum shift that Colgate couldn’t overcome.
“We were out of sync at times, especially with the lineup adjustments,” ESPN analyst Dane Bradshaw noted. “But credit to Kentucky for digging deep when the game tightened.”
Key Contributions
Koby Brea kept Kentucky afloat in the first half, going 4-for-4 from three-point range and finishing with 17 points and five rebounds. Oweh added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Amari Williams contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and a block. Andrew Carr recorded his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Robinson, despite his early struggles, finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists, although he shot just 4-for-14 from the field.
Coach Pope’s Perspective
Coach Mark Pope remained composed throughout the game, even as the Wildcats struggled. Reflecting on the close call, he praised Colgate for their resilience and credited his players for stepping up in crucial moments.
“We didn’t have our best night, and Colgate deserves credit for playing with pride and energy,” Pope said. “But our team’s ability to respond under pressure is what makes them special. This wasn’t the prettiest win, but it showed our character.”
Looking ahead, Pope emphasized the importance of continued adjustments, particularly with lineup rotations. He praised younger players like Trent Noah for their contributions and highlighted the potential impact of Travis Perry and Collin Chandler as they step into larger roles.
A Lesson in Resilience
While the game against Colgate wasn’t the dominant performance many expected, it offered Kentucky a valuable lesson in resilience. With the Battle of the Bluegrass against Louisville looming on Saturday, the Wildcats will aim to build on this gritty win and refine their approach as they prepare for tougher challenges ahead.
