Some matchups just don’t go your way. For Kentucky basketball—both the men’s and women’s teams—Ole Miss has officially become that team this season. After back-to-back losses in Oxford, it might be best if the Wildcats just steer clear of anything involving the Rebels until further notice.
Double Trouble in Oxford
The men’s team took the first hit, falling 98-84 in a game where Ole Miss seemed incapable of missing. The Rebels shot a blistering 61% from the field and 53% from three, overwhelming Kentucky’s defense from start to finish. Mark Pope, clearly not thrilled with the performance, reportedly took his frustration out on some unfortunate furniture during halftime. Safe to say, no chairs were safe in that locker room.
The women’s team followed with a frustrating 66-57 loss, on the same day after breaking into the AP Top 10. Head coach Kenny Brooks didn’t hold back postgame, calling it the “softest game we’ve played all year.” Yikes.
Momentum Killer
Losing to Ole Miss stings even more because of the timing. The men’s team seemed to be getting right after knocking off Tennessee in Knoxville, and the women had just cracked the top 10—only to stumble against a team that now seems like Kentucky’s kryptonite.
With March Madness creeping closer, these kinds of late-season losses can shake confidence and impact tournament seeding. Both teams will need to bounce back fast to avoid this being a turning point in the wrong direction.
No More Trips to Oxford, Please
Let’s be real—if Kentucky never had to step foot in Oxford again, fans would be perfectly fine with that. Something about The Pavilion just didn’t sit right with the Wildcats, and now, the only option is to regroup and hope the Rebels don’t cross their path in the SEC Tournament.
For now, the best thing Kentucky can do is refocus, tighten up on defense, and make sure no more furniture needs to be replaced before March unless it's the couches after a big celebration in Lexington.