Kentucky picked up an encouraging 76-65 exhibition victory over No. 19 Texas Tech, but Mark Pope’s biggest reason for celebrating had little to do with the final score. Instead, the Wildcats’ head coach was excited about a development that could prove just as important as their offensive production: the growing defensive commitment of Alex Wilkins.
The No. 23 Wildcats faced their share of challenges against the Red Raiders. They struggled with turnovers early, missed several three-point attempts and watched a double-digit lead disappear in the second half. Yet, when the game became tight, Kentucky found a way to respond and finish strong.
For Pope, however, one player’s determination during practice and his improvement on the court stood out above everything else.
Alex Wilkins Gives Mark Pope a Reason to Smile
Wilkins finished with 13 points, seven assists and three steals, delivering some of his most important contributions when Kentucky needed them most. His late three-pointers helped the Wildcats pull away after Texas Tech tied the game at 52 with 8:34 remaining.
But Pope’s excitement went beyond the numbers.
Earlier in the week, Wilkins had struggled badly during a defensive drill in practice. Pope described the guard’s initial performance as a “train wreck.” Rather than avoiding the challenge, Wilkins repeatedly asked for another opportunity to improve.
His determination became so noticeable that he continued pushing for additional repetitions, eventually requiring an assistant coach to move him along so other players could participate.
That persistence made a difference against Texas Tech.
Pope was particularly pleased that Wilkins had begun developing a genuine passion for defense. While his offensive game was already showing promise, the coach believed the guard’s growing commitment on the other end was an important step forward.
For a young Kentucky team still searching for consistency, that development could become a significant advantage.
Malachi Moreno Provides the Physicality Kentucky Needed
Wilkins wasn’t the only player who impressed. Freshman center Malachi Moreno delivered another encouraging performance, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists while shooting 6-for-9 from the field.
He also played 35 minutes without committing a foul.
Moreno’s impact was particularly important during the first half, when Kentucky struggled to find its rhythm from outside. The Wildcats made just one of their first 11 three-point attempts, forcing them to look for other ways to generate offense.
Moreno provided that alternative by finishing around the basket and using his strength to create opportunities inside.
His performance showed why Kentucky’s frontcourt could play a crucial role this season. When the perimeter shots aren’t falling, having a big man capable of producing consistent points near the rim gives Pope’s offense another option.
However, the Wildcats still need to improve their rebounding. Texas Tech grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and recorded 15 second-chance points, exposing an area Kentucky cannot afford to overlook.
Mason Williams Continues to Make His Case
Freshman guard Mason Williams also strengthened his argument for a larger role in Kentucky’s rotation.
Coming off the bench, Williams scored 14 points in 27 minutes, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. Even more encouraging, he finished without committing a turnover.
Through Kentucky’s first two exhibition games, Williams had played 48 minutes with only one turnover.
Pope has praised the freshman’s decision-making and understanding of the importance of protecting the basketball. Although Kentucky has frequently used him away from the ball while he adjusts to college basketball, Williams has shown that he can contribute without needing to dominate possessions.
With injuries affecting Kentucky’s backcourt depth, his continued progress could give Pope another dependable option.
Kentucky’s Response Revealed Another Important Strength
The Wildcats’ victory wasn’t without problems. Kentucky committed seven turnovers during approximately the first 11 minutes before settling down and recording only four over the remaining 29 minutes.
The shooting also improved after halftime. Kentucky went from 1-for-11 from three-point range in the first half to 6-for-13 in the second.
When Texas Tech erased the deficit and tied the game, the Wildcats responded with a decisive 24-13 finish.
Milan Momcilovic and Moreno each scored 15 points, Williams added 14, Wilkins finished with 13, and Ousmane N’Diaye contributed 10.
Momcilovic was especially efficient, converting all seven of his free throws and finishing without a turnover in 34 minutes. N’Diaye contributed energy and rebounding, while the team’s younger guards helped create scoring opportunities.
Texas Tech was without All-American JT Toppin, an important consideration when evaluating the result. Nevertheless, Kentucky showed composure when the game became competitive.
Mark Pope Knows the Best Is Still Ahead
Despite the victory, Pope isn’t treating the performance as proof that Kentucky has everything figured out.
The coach acknowledged that the Wildcats remain a work in progress. His team is still learning how to combine its individual talents, establish a consistent rotation and execute its system against quality opposition.
The encouraging signs are there, but so are the areas that need improvement.
Kentucky must take better care of the basketball from the opening tip, finish defensive possessions with rebounds and develop greater consistency against pressure. Those details could determine how well the Wildcats perform when the regular season begins.
Still, Pope’s reaction to Wilkins’ defensive progress offered a glimpse into what he values most about this group.
Winning against a ranked opponent is encouraging, but watching a player embrace a weakness and work relentlessly to improve it can be even more meaningful for a coach building a team.
Kentucky’s victory over Texas Tech may have attracted attention because of the final score, but Wilkins’ defensive breakthrough could be the development that matters most in the long run.
If that commitment spreads throughout the roster, Pope could have more than a team capable of winning exhibition games. He could have a group that continues improving when the stakes become much higher.
