The Kentucky Wildcats rolled past the Bellarmine Knights 99-85 at Rupp Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, but it wasn’t just the on-court fireworks that made headlines — it was one reaction from the fans that left Coach Mark Pope nearly speechless.
A Blowout with a Side of Shock
Kentucky’s offense was firing on all cylinders. The Wildcats knocked down 16-of-30 three-pointers, with Kam going an incredible 8-for-10 from deep. “I asked him to do that every night,” Pope joked, though fans couldn’t get enough of Kam’s hot streak. Otega matched the performance with 10 assists, orchestrating the offense and making his teammates better all night long.
Despite the lopsided score, Pope was quick to praise Bellarmine for their effort. “They play hard, move well after the bounce, and really fight for space,” he said. “We had to earn this win.
Jasper Johnson Steps Up
With Jaland Lowe sitting out due to a minor soreness, Jasper Johnson seized the opportunity. He finished with seven assists and provided the energy Kentucky needed to break down Bellarmine’s zone defense. Pope was clearly impressed. “Jasper made us feel like scoring against that zone was going to be fun,” he said.
Fans Stun the Coach
But it wasn’t just the players who caught Pope’s attention. “The way the crowd reacted tonight… I’ve never seen anything like it,” he admitted. Even after a dominant win, the fans’ energy and chants kept the team buzzing. “It’s moments like that where you realize just how special this fanbase is,” Pope added, almost lost for words.
Looking Ahead
Kentucky will now head into a short break before SEC play, giving players like Jayden Quaintance extra practice time and Jaland Lowe a chance to fully recover. Pope emphasized the importance of this stretch for team growth. “We’re learning how to play with two bigs on the floor and defining roles,” he said. “This practice time will be invaluable as we gear up for the SEC gauntlet.”
A Perfect Holiday Gift for Fans
As he wrapped up the press conference, Pope gave a heartfelt message to Kentucky fans. “Merry Christmas to all of BBN. You guys make this special — every chant, every cheer. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.
Kentucky’s 99-point outburst might grab headlines, but for Pope, the energy from the fans was the true standout of the night.
