Mark Pope dissects Kentucky basketball's win over Colgate in post game interview with Tom Leach

After Kentucky’s hard-fought 78-67 win over Colgate, head coach Mark Pope offered candid reflections in his postgame press conference with Tom Leach. The Wildcats improved to 9-1, but Pope admitted the team didn’t meet their own high standards of play.

Shaking his head, Pope opened with a wry nod to resilience: “Momma said there’d be days like this” he told Tom Leach that song was in his mind as he walked off the court. He acknowledged lapses in intensity throughout the game, saying he wasn't thrilled with the teams "intensity” at different times.

Pope commended the Rupp Arena crowd, praising their unwavering support: “They stood up and filled the gym with energy, and our guys fed off it.” Pope was talking about the second half when Colgate made their run and took their lead.

Freshman guard Trent Noah was a standout performer, earning accolades from Pope for his decisive play. “He was standing in front of me, and I was asking him to punch it (throw it down low)” Pope said with a laugh when talking about how Noah ignored his coach to can a big three as part of Kentucky's 12 point run. “Trent works like crazy and was fantastic tonight. He and Travis are ready to step up” with Kerr Kriisa out for an extended period of time.

The Wildcats have been adapting without Kriisa, who recently underwent surgery. “Kerr FaceTimed me after surgery" he admitted Kerr said he "was high as a kite and went down a laundry list of people he loves,” Pope shared with a laugh. He said he wanted to try and find a way to get the call on Instagram live.

Koby Brea showed flashes of his potential but is still adjusting, according to Pope. “He’s a three-level scorer" but he just has to get used to going downhill he said. Said he saw big improvement in that area tonight.

Colgate’s methodical 2-3 zone slowed the game, and the Wildcats struggled to find a rhythm early. However, Pope praised the team’s second-half defense: “We were better at challenging shots in the second half."

Looking ahead, Pope emphasized the importance of preparation and focus when talking about the Louisville game this Saturday: “For most of these guys, it’s the biggest game they’ve ever played, and we’ll treat every game like that moving forward.”

Despite some frustrations, the win highlighted Kentucky’s depth and adaptability, key factors as they continue their march through the season an absolutley stacked SEC.