Vicky Graff Photo
Being able to pull off 54 rebounds in what coach Mark Pope called a “slugfest game” against Western Kentucky in an 87-68 win was an “important” sign for unbeaten Kentucky.
“I didn’t think we were great to 50-50 balls. That was the one thing, especially in the second half, from minute 17 down to minute seven I was like, ‘Oh man, we are kind of getting crushed with his 50-50 ballgame’ and where we are usually really, really good,” the UK coach said after the game.
“But otherwise, I thought we grounded up great. I’m really proud of the guys. It’s fun. Like we can win different ways, that’s really, really important. That bodes well for our guys and our team. Tonight, being dominant on the glass and imposing our will physically was really, really important and I thought our guys did that.”
He noted that center Amari Williams played 19 minutes but had 10 rebounds. Andrew Carr, not a prolific rebounder, also had 10 rebounds.
“For us to be at 54 (rebounds) as a team is really, really important for us. You know, one of the numbers that we love is we are a 16 offensive rebound team. Shooting 40 percent from the field and we out offensive rebound Western Kentucky, which is a really good offensive rebound team by four and they shot 32 percent Right?,” Pope said.
“They had more opportunities. Those numbers are really important for us and the fact that we can go grind out a game and win it. It’s awesome. This is really important. I’m really proud of our guys.”
8 Responses
Mark Pope is really sharp, knows the many aspects of the game statistically as well as blending personalities and skills of various players. A complete package!
The OR relative to FG% and comparing both to the opponent is sharp recognition of one of the keys to success.
I love it someone I can understand! I remember one time a reporter asked Cal about his teams offensive struggles and he replied something like they are in the ocean without a life jacket and when I throw them the life jacket they swim away from it! Every reporter was scratching there heads! Its comments like these that have nothing to do with basketball was a constant thing. He never makes sense of anything. I seen Cal tell the Arkansas reporters wow there is only 6 of you guys here lol. Big difference from Camelot to the pig pen! Pope is a genius and understands statistics and analytics. He understands if something isn’t working don’t keep doing the same thing and I love it. Its refreshing!
From Camelot to the pig pen. So well stated!
A coach who speaks with complete sentences which are filled with content instead of fractured phrases full of fraud.
Awesome l!!!
From CAMELOT to the PIG PEN!!! I LOVE IT!!! Can u say "new Tshirt idea for the ARK game in Rupp Arena on FEB 1ST???"
I think its time be classy Cats and leave Cal alone. He was our prince of Camelot for many years… let’s all move on please.
I am with you Kelly. The early Cal years were fabulous and there are a lot of great Cal moments. He’s gone, just enjoy Pope now
Agree. I’ve reached the point where I feel sorry for him.
They may have a great season but I’ll be surprised.
Well I can’t forget or forgive the last 5 years but I’m over cal the bashing I’m just glad he is not on our coach, arky good luck hopefully you get what you thought you wanted……