Bucknell came into Rupp 2-0 and left 2-1. A win is a win, but it wasn’t always pretty. The Cats started strong, dominating the glass and compensating for some poor shooting early on. Midway through the first half, a two-minute scoring drought led Coach Mark Pope to call a timeout, the first this season to stop an opposing team's run. Lamont Butler struggled to find his shot, even though he was able to get to the rim. While other players picked up the slack, Kentucky will need stronger performances from PG1 if they’re going to make a deep run.
ngl Kentucky played pretty poorly on both sides of the ball for most of that half
— WT - Lamont Enthusiast (@WildcatsTongue) November 9, 2024
Still scored 47 and lead by 16 against a decent mid-major opponent
That wasn’t Kentucky’s best half of basketball, but still not bad.
— Anthony Wireman (@awireman) November 9, 2024
Amari Williams posted another double-double, which is great to see. However, he also had five turnovers. Things will need to be cleaned up as the competition ramps up, starting this Tuesday against Duke.
Actually think that was a bad half of basketball for Kentucky. Sill have 47.
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) November 9, 2024
So, what’s the verdict on Kentucky’s latest game? Let’s dive into the social media reaction to the Wildcats’ matchup against the Bucknell Bison.
Koby Brea is the best shooter in the country. 🎯
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) November 9, 2024
The Kentucky sniper is 10/12 from three after two games 👀 pic.twitter.com/2Xb0RBHyvf
Brea will end up being the best shooter Kentucky basketball has ever had #BBN
— Wildcat (@WildcatUKx) November 9, 2024
Koby Brea came into the season projected as one of the best shooters in the country, and he hasn’t done anything to dispel that reputation. He went 6-of-8 from downtown tonight.
🎥 Highlights: Kentucky 100, Bucknell 72
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 9, 2024
Koby Brea - 20 PTS (7-11 FG, 6-8 3FG) | 6 REB
Jaxson Robinson - 14 PTS | 4 REB
Amari Williams - 13 PTS (5-8 FG) | 14 REB
Andrew Carr - 11 PTS (5-6 FG) | 3 REB
Otega Oweh - 10 PTS | 5 REB
Kerr Kriisa - 6 PTS | 12 AST | 4 REB pic.twitter.com/LdNXqTdBQZ
After seeing six players score in double figures in their opener, the Cats followed up with five players reaching double figures in this game.
Bucknell HC John Griffin: Mark Pope has done a nice job of quickly assembling a roster of very good basketball players at Kentucky and getting them to play unselfishly.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) November 9, 2024
When the opposing coach praises your team’s unselfishness, you know you’re doing something right.
Kentucky basketball is fun again ya'll. That's what happens when a Wildcat coaches Wildcats. Looking forward to our @CoachMarkPope era. #BBN #Kentucky
— The Joan Zone (@joangvs) November 9, 2024
Damn this team is so fun to watch. Kentucky Basketball is back like it should be 💙🤍🏀 #BBN
— Frank Heinrichs👊 (@heintime65) November 9, 2024
BEAUTIFUL BASKETBALL!! SO FUN TO WATCH!!!!! pic.twitter.com/JbmZGgbfDf
— KentuckyCards (@KentuckyCards) November 9, 2024
Kentucky missed on a few coaches during the off-season before landing on Mark Pope (Scott Drew and Danny Hurley), and now it feels like we got lucky they didn't take the job.
Being a Kentucky basketball fan we rarely miss out on anything. But most of the times when we missed out on a recruit, it ends up being a blessing in disguise cuz we get somebody better.
— C.A. Huggins (@C_A_Huggins) November 9, 2024
The same can be said for this last coaching search. Mark Pope is gonna excel.#BBN
I am just saying if you are a high school basketball recruit or a transfer, I don't know how you wouldn't want to play for Mark Pope or Kentucky with the way Pope runs his offense and the fans will adore you. #BBN
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 9, 2024
Watching the team’s free-flowing offense and the fun they’re having, what player wouldn’t want to be part of that?
Only negativity. We won by 28 against a team that was 2-0.
— Kentucky Basketball T-Shirt w\ Opinions (@retiredbenny24) November 9, 2024
Clearly, many fans think the Cats have some work to do despite the win, and quickly. Kentucky faces a major test against Duke on Tuesday in the Champions Classic.