The Kentucky Wildcats overcame adversity and a sluggish start to beat the Indiana Hoosiers 72-60 at Rupp Arena on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Head coach Mark Pope praised his team’s effort, resilience, and growth during a postgame press conference.
Celebrating Mo and Team Chemistry
Pope began by recognizing Kentucky’s loyal fanbase and congratulating Coach Skinner’s volleyball team on their Final Four appearance. Turning to the game, he highlighted the impact of returning players:
Mo Dioubate: Returning on his birthday, Mo was “elite on the defensive end” and strong on the boards, contributing crucially after missing time.
Jaland Lowe: Despite missing several layups, Pope noted Lowe’s competitive spirit and his teammates’ support, which helped him find his rhythm and hit big shots when it mattered.
Brandon Garrison: Pope was proud of Garrison’s growth, noting that while winning is the team’s priority, watching players develop is special.
Defensive Effort and Key Rebounds
Kentucky forced 18 turnovers against a potent Indiana offense, which had previously scored 113 points against Penn State. Pope credited the team’s communication, preparation by Coach Fox, and individual effort for their defensive success.
Offensive rebounding played a pivotal role, with 14 offensive boards leading to 18 points. Pope emphasized that his players embraced the strategy to “wedge to win” after previous frustrations with the team’s rebounding performance.
Team Growth and Handling Adversity
Pope praised his players for stepping up amid a slow, foul-heavy game. He said moments like Brandon Garrison’s effort in practice—outsprinting teammates voluntarily—highlight the kind of growth and maturity the coaching staff values.
Regarding offensive flow, Pope noted that Kentucky isn’t playing “a thing of beauty” yet but praised Lowe’s ability to create opportunities in the paint. Despite shooting just 3-of-15 from three, the team’s resilience and grit led to the victory, reinforcing the importance of belief and effort over perfection.
Response to Pressure and Team Mindset
The coach reflected on the team’s response to criticism from former player DeMarcus Cousins and emphasized accountability. Kentucky rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit in a mostly silent gym, demonstrating toughness and energy created by the players themselves.
Pope also addressed rotation adjustments, noting the bench and starters’ minutes were determined by how the game unfolded. He expects Jelavic, Collin, Jasper, and Trent to play vital roles in the future as the team adapts to each contest.
Finally, Pope stressed that growth can be messy and intense, particularly under Kentucky’s spotlight. He encouraged players to embrace pressure, own mistakes, and develop resilience—skills essential for both basketball and life.
Looking Ahead
Kentucky now looks to build on its defensive intensity and hard-earned win as it continues the season, balancing the development of young talent with the pursuit of victories. Pope believes the team is learning to embrace challenges and grow together, step by step.
