Georgia had lost 5 of 6 games; they were reeling and limping into Rupp Arena, a place where they were 4-40. They walked out with win number 5 and sent a fresh chill down BBN's spine. Fans were okay with the loss to Florida; the team fought, and if you clean up a few mistakes, you win that game.
Well, let me tell you. They are not okay with what went down in Lexington on Tuesday night. In another first since Billy Gillispie, Kentucky loses to Georgia for the first time at home since 2009.
This matches @KentuckyMBB’s worst loss ever against Georgia in any game played outside of Athens (8 points) (lost 65-57 at @Rupp_Arena on January 17th, 2004)
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) February 18, 2026
After getting out to a great start, Kentucky looked to the bench and found no answers. They trailed again at halftime, 39-34 and it did not get any better in the second half.
No way to make sense of this team. Much like last year's team, they are up and down, but this year it's extreme. As we check off yet another "first since Billy G", I remain concerned that this program is headed in the wrong direction.
— Matt Slusser (@Slushie88) February 18, 2026
Fans believe this team is done. They are quickly losing faith in not only this team, but Mark Pope in general.
Kentucky basketball is dead.
— Woo✨ (@WildcatWoo) February 18, 2026
I’m done with Kentucky basketball until mark pope is gone he’s just not a good coach
— Lucky Bets 🍀 (@adamodem2) February 18, 2026
Yeah tbh I’m really frustrated with Mark Pope right now and do not like the state of my program with him at the helm. Can’t do anything about it but just so extremely disappointed in Kentucky basketball. Where do we go from here? pic.twitter.com/5D6KrYPOTH
— Buddy 🏀😼 (@BigBlueBud) February 18, 2026
For whatever reason, Kentucky always finds itself down double digits. It is something I can't explain; I am not sure Mark Pope can explain it either. But it is something that has to be figured out, because as Matt Jones said above, you can't do it every game.
Just Mark Pope actually…
— Karl Townes Van Zandt (@Karl_Townes) February 18, 2026
At this rate, it is fair to ask if fans want Mark Pope back in year 3. The man seems to love the university like no other; he has these crazy good wins, like against Duke and Tennessee. But for every win, there is a loss that has you shaking your head. This loss to Georgia was definitely one of those.
And add in the 2026 recruiting class being at zero, fans are worried not only about this season but the future, too.
Kentucky falls at home to Georgia 86-78.
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) February 18, 2026
Disappointing, complete no-show for the Wildcats against a struggling Georgia team.
But hey, on a positive note, at least Kentucky has zero players committed in the 2026 class 🤦♂️🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/daBGiUaSMl
Other fans have reached the apathy stage, and that is dangerous for a program, especially one with a passionate fanbase like Kentucky.
Terrible loss. I don't even get angry anymore. Gameday excitement is gone and I don't even get mad after a loss.. Sad this is what Kentucky has become. I hope Kentucky doesn't become the new Indiana of basketball.
— JV (@_VinceCali) February 18, 2026
Kentucky Should Fire Mark Pope Right After Georgia Beats them in Rupp Arena. He Sucks as a Coach and Basically Everything Else Associated with Basketball.
— Vic Monte (@TheVicMonte) February 18, 2026
Kentucky basketball, and college basketball in general, has always been my favorite season
— Chandler Craker (@Chandlercraker1) February 18, 2026
I’ve never been more ready for a season, and era, to end
Kentucky basketball struggles and is back on the bubble
After a loss to a struggling Georgia team, Kentucky is now back on the bubble for the NCAA tournament. You have @Auburn and @Texas A&M, plus hosting Florida and Vanderbilt. You get a small break by drawing South Carolina, but with this team, there is no game you can really feel good about going in and getting an easy win.
Kentucky has lost in Rupp 3+ times in a season just 13 times in its 50-year history.
— WT - Mo D Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) February 18, 2026
Mark Pope has done it twice in 2 years. pic.twitter.com/TARao0KPMG
Extend Mark Pope
— Bpence🐊(2025 National Champs🏆🐊) (@BaileyPence2) February 18, 2026
sincerely,
Everyone in college basketball
