Kentucky’s 92–68 victory over
Mississippi State at Rupp Arena wasn’t just another win — it was a statement. While the Wildcats’ offense dazzled, the true difference-maker was a defensive game plan crafted behind the scenes, and Mark Pope was quick to admit exactly who made it all possible.
After holding the Bulldogs to just 68 points — their second-lowest total of the season — Pope singled out assistant coach Mikhail McLean for designing a defensive approach that completely shifted the momentum.
“I want to single out Mikhail McLean,” Pope said after the game. “This was his scout, and it was different from anything we’ve done all year.”
Mississippi State shot nearly 50 percent from the field overall, but that number was misleading. After a hot start in the opening eight minutes, Kentucky’s defense clamped down. The Bulldogs shot under 40 percent in the second half, went just 3-for-20 from three-point range, and turned the ball over 15 times.
Kentucky’s pressure was relentless. The Wildcats pushed ball handlers well beyond the three-point line, attacked ball screens aggressively, and forced uncomfortable decisions all night. The result was a season-high 14 steals and long scoring droughts for Mississippi State after an early surge.
Pope admitted the plan wasn’t easy to commit to — but McLean never wavered.
“We had backup plans B, C, and D, and we never went away,” Pope said. “It takes confidence and courage as an assistant coach to stand your ground and stick with your conviction. Huge kudos to Mikhail.
Star guard Josh Hubbard finished with 20 points, but it was his quietest outing in weeks, shooting 7-for-16 as Kentucky’s adjustments kept him in check. Hubbard and Jayden Epps combined to shoot just 11-for-28, including 3-for-15 from deep. After scoring 28 points in the first 10 minutes — and briefly jumping out to a double-digit lead — Mississippi State managed only 40 points the rest of the way.
McLean, just 34 years old, continues to make his mark on Pope’s staff. A former five-year forward at Houston, he has built a reputation as a defensive specialist and also serves as associate head coach for the Bahamian National Team. Last season, he worked closely with Amari Williams, and his influence has only grown.
Freshman center Malachi Moreno, who recorded four steals in one of his best performances as a Wildcat, said the preparation was obvious from tip-off.
“We saw everything they were going to do,” Moreno said. “That’s a testament to him. He gave us the recipe, and we just finished the food.”
In a must-win SEC game, Kentucky didn’t just execute — it trusted a bold defensive vision. And on Saturday night, that trust paid off in a dominant, statement victory.
