Kentucky basketball has gotten bashed lately for their lack of effort and even heart, as many criticized the way they were dismanted against Gonzaga in Nashville. Then, there were lapses of effort against NC Central, so much so that Pope benched Brandon Garrison for the entire second half. They sure responded well to all of the criticism, but most importantly the messages Mark Pope has been sending them: If you’re not going to play with effort, you’re not going to play. For the first time this season, the Wildcats were all smiles against a quality opponent.
The Wildcats responded with a 72-60 win over Indiana in Rupp Arena on Saturday. It was a game that was a rock fight, with the first half being a really hard one to watch as the physicality really took over the game and caused bad offensive play. Kentucky could’ve just folded when Indiana’s 7-0 run towards the end of the half helped put Kentucky down by seven at halftime. But, Kentucky chose to have fight, because Big Blue Nation has been waiting on them to respond and fight for the school, the program, and the fans they play for. A 19-4 run over an eight minute span in the second half helped Kentucky pull away for the first quality win of the season, now 1-4 against power four teams.
Mo Dioubate’s return led to him coming up big on the boards on his birthday, Jaland Lowe played an extended role and clearly is a difference-maker for the offense, and Brandon Garrison’s effort finally translated to the games. There was plenty of great stories, and they all boil down to the team’s competitiveness. Mark Pope was proud of the team’s competitiveness, and he knows it’s all about their growth…