Kentucky bounced back in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating South Carolina 80-57 at Rupp Arena. Following a couple of tough losses, the Wildcats made a statement with their energy, defensive intensity, and the return of key players. After the game, head coach Mark Pope, Kentucky’s players, and South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris all weighed in on the performance. Quotes courtesy of ukathletics
Mark Pope Praises His Team’s Growth
Mark Pope was thrilled with how his team responded against a tough South Carolina squad, particularly on the defensive end.
“I thought our guys were really focused for the most part. We had some lapses, and we can get much better, but they bought into being a little bit more disruptive and a little bit more aggressive at the point of attack,” Pope said.
He specifically highlighted Koby Brea’s defensive effort, calling him “unbelievable” for his ball pressure, positioning, and overall awareness.
“Our rotations were OK-ish in a growing process. But Koby was incredible on the defensive end. His gaps were incredible, his digs were incredible. His ball pressure was great—smart, not belligerent," Pope added.
Another major boost for Kentucky was the return of Lamont Butler, who had missed time due to injury. Pope admitted he wasn’t sure whether Butler would be available until game day but was relieved to have him back.
“Just his presence. We just taped him up and rolled him out there. But his presence really helped us for sure.”
Players Reflect on Defensive Focus and Energy
Otega Oweh: Bouncing Back Strong
Oweh, who finished in double figures, credited the team’s defensive commitment for their success.
“It felt great, and the way we did it, we got better playing defense, playing better team defense, just helping the helper and having each other’s back. That was what we worked on the whole week, and I’m proud of the stuff we did tonight,” Oweh said.
He also spoke on how Butler’s return energized the team.
“Oh, it was huge. Just his presence helps us out so much, offensively, defensively. I mean, I’ve asked him every single day since he’s been out if he was playing, so I’m just glad he got to suit up today.”
Koby Brea: Setting the Tone
Brea has been working on improving his defensive mentality, and it showed against South Carolina.
“I have been working a lot on my mentality and what I need to work on after the last couple of games. I am just trying to set the tone at the beginning that we are going to get better defensively and lock in on that,” Brea said.
On what made the difference in the team’s defensive energy, Brea pointed to a realization that every player’s effort affects the entire team.
“With the last couple of losses, we realized (defensively) one person can affect the whole group. As a team, we all got to lock in, and I put how I play at the highest importance.”
Brandon Garrison: Embracing the Energy
Garrison provided a spark off the bench and continues to grow in his role.
“It just felt great. Keep putting in the work, and you get good results out of it,” he said.
On Butler’s return, Garrison echoed Oweh’s sentiments.
“We missed him. When we are out there, you can tell that having him back does major things for our team. Having him back allows us to have more steals, a quicker response, and a confidence boost.”
Pope also had high praise for Garrison’s progression.
“He was really effective and explosive with his dunk game. I thought with his defensive assignment tonight, he was terrific. He’s preparing himself for major, major jumps.”
South Carolina Head Coach Lamont Paris: “They Were After It”
South Carolina’s Lamont Paris acknowledged Kentucky’s defensive intensity and energy but also pointed to his team’s struggles finishing at the rim.
“There was a great crowd and a great environment, but that’s to be expected. We just weren’t able to keep up the pace offensively. And we couldn’t make shots,” Paris said.
On Kentucky’s defensive pressure, he noted, “They were active. They were pressuring some of our guys that are maybe not quite as strong with the ball. They were after it.”
Pope’s Take on Coaching, Bench Production, and the Importance of the Win
Pope also took time to discuss his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of “great students” in a team’s success.
“What really makes great coaches is—it's just like great teachers. It’s great students that are hungry and passionate and willing and humble and curious,” he explained.
He also praised Trent Noah’s consistency and energy off the bench.
“His energy never wavers, and that’s a real gift as a coach. You know exactly what you are going to get when you put Trent on the floor.”
Most importantly, Pope acknowledged the significance of this win after a tough stretch of games.
“It means a lot. This is really important to us. Every game is the biggest game we’ve ever played. But as you go through the course of the season, this was important for us in a lot of ways.”
With the Wildcats finding their rhythm defensively and key players returning to the lineup, Kentucky’s outlook for the rest of the season is looking much brighter.