When we hear the name âKentucky Wildcats,â we usually expect them to be national championship contenders. Theyâre one of the biggest powerhouses in all of college basketball history.
Thatâs also the case this year. Theyâre currently ranked at No. 6, which is why it was so surprising to see them drop a game to the Georgia Bulldogs by double digits.
Needless to say, coach Mark Pope was far from satisfied with his teamâs performance. Following the loss, he threw them under the bus and called their effort on the glass âunacceptable.â
Mark Pope rips Kentucky after loss to Georgia
âYeah, they had 15 (offensive rebounds) today,â Pope said. âAnd itâs back-to-back games where we gave up 15 offensive rebounds. And thatâs, man, thatâs a real bell weâve got to ring. Itâs unacceptable for us, and itâs ⊠a sign of distraction.â
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope watches his team play against Lipscomb on Tuesday night, Nov. 19, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
The Bulldogs won the rebounding battle 41-34, including 15 offensive boards. On top of that, the Wildcats shot just 37.5% from the field and 24% from three-point range, far behind their usual standards.
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The Bulldogs should still be able to bounce back, but it wonât get much easier. Up next, they have a trip to play against No. 14 Mississippi State to try and hand them just their second loss of the season.
