Mark Pope Breaks Down Kentucky’s Hard-Earned Victory Over Colgate
Following Kentucky’s gritty 78-67 win over Colgate, head coach Mark Pope joined Tom Leach for a candid postgame interview, reflecting on the Wildcats’ performance and areas for growth. Despite moving to an impressive 9-1 record, Pope admitted the game was far from the team’s best showing.
Opening with a lighthearted comment, Pope quipped, “Momma said there’d be days like this,” referencing his mindset as he walked off the court. He noted lapses in focus and intensity during key stretches of the game, particularly as Colgate rallied from an early 17-0 deficit to briefly take the lead. “I wasn’t thrilled with our intensity at times,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistent energy throughout the game.
The Crowd’s Impact
Pope credited the Rupp Arena crowd for providing a critical boost when Colgate surged in the second half. “They stood up and filled the gym with energy, and our guys fed off it,” he said. The fans’ support was especially vital during Kentucky’s decisive 12-0 run, which swung momentum back in the Wildcats’ favor.
Trent Noah’s Growth and Grit
Freshman guard Trent Noah emerged as a key contributor, drawing praise from Pope for his confidence and composure in high-pressure moments. Recalling a pivotal play during Kentucky’s run, Pope shared a humorous exchange: “He was standing in front of me, and I kept yelling for him to punch it inside. Instead, he ignored me and drained a big three.” Pope added, “Trent works like crazy and was fantastic tonight. He and Travis Perry are stepping up in a big way, especially with Kerr Kriisa out.”
Adjusting Without Kerr Kriisa
The absence of Kerr Kriisa, who is recovering from surgery, has forced Kentucky to adapt. Pope shared a lighthearted moment about Kriisa’s upbeat post-surgery demeanor: “Kerr FaceTimed me after surgery. He was high as a kite and rattled off a laundry list of people he loves. Honestly, I thought about sharing the call on Instagram Live—it was hilarious.”
Despite the levity, Pope acknowledged the challenges of filling Kriisa’s role, emphasizing the need for players like Noah and Perry to step into larger roles.
Koby Brea’s Potential
Koby Brea delivered a strong performance, particularly in the first half, where he went 4-for-4 from three-point range to keep Kentucky afloat. Pope praised Brea’s scoring versatility but noted areas for improvement. “He’s a three-level scorer,” Pope said, “but he’s still getting comfortable with attacking downhill. I saw big strides in that area tonight.”
Colgate’s Zone and Kentucky’s Response
Colgate’s methodical 2-3 zone disrupted Kentucky’s rhythm early, forcing the Wildcats into uncomfortable offensive sets. “Their zone slowed us down, and we struggled to find a flow at first,” Pope admitted. However, he highlighted the team’s improved defensive effort in the second half, which limited Colgate’s scoring opportunities. “We were better at challenging shots and staying disciplined defensively after halftime,” he said.
Looking Ahead to Louisville
With the highly anticipated Battle of the Bluegrass against Louisville on Saturday, Pope emphasized the need for focus and preparation. “For most of these guys, it’s the biggest game they’ve ever played,” he said. “We’ll treat every game like it’s the most important one, starting with Louisville.”
Building Toward SEC Play
While Pope acknowledged frustrations from the Colgate game, he remained optimistic about the team’s trajectory. The win underscored Kentucky’s depth and adaptability, qualities Pope believes will be crucial as they navigate a challenging SEC schedule.
“This wasn’t our best night, but we responded,” Pope said. “That’s the best part of this team—they rise to the occasion when it matters most.”